Radicals often complicate otherwise simple problems. Especially when there are some form operations involved. These worksheets will look at problems that are simple and some that are difficult and will make you look at it several times and maybe even require you take a break before attempting the next problem. The work here starts by learning simplify radical values and progresses to processing operations. We will start with set workable problems. As we progress, we will move to more complex problems that require several steps to complete them. If you remind yourself of the general rules, these will go down easy. The two lessons in this section explain how to handle equations including one or more radical numbers.
Print Operations with Radicals Worksheets
Click the buttons to print each worksheet and associated answer key.
Operations with Radicals Lesson
This lesson will walk you through an entire problem and then give the opportunity to practice on 2 problems. You will simplify this radical equation by following the steps below: 4√16
Radical Operations Worksheet 1
This worksheet will include problems that cover how all four operators are used in conjuction with this skill. For each problem, perform the indicated operations and simplify the answers. Example: 5√9 + 12√9
Worksheet 2
Perform the indicated operations using the rules we have learned so far. Example: 2√16 / 8√16
Quiz
For each problem, perform the indicated operations and then simplify the answers. Afterward, be sure check your answers and record your total score below. Example: 20√9 + 10√9
Radical Operations Do Now
You will start with very basic problems to help you make the next progression on this skill. Example: √256
Working with Radicals Lesson
We progress toward slightly more complex operations with more pieces to put together. Example: 2√2 + 4√2 - 3√2
Intermediate Worksheet 1
Simplify each of the following radical expressions. In most problems there are at least 2 operators that you must navigate. Example: 2√9 + 6√16 - 9√25
Intermediate Worksheet 2
Don't let the brackets get in the way. The operations still follow the same procedure we have been using. Example: (6 + √5)∙(2- √5)
Review Sheet
This is more of reduction activity than anything else. Simplify the following: 6√4 + 4√4 - 3√4
Operations with Radicals Quiz
Time to see what you have learned from this section. Put those lessons to work for you if you are having trouble. Example: √16∙4√(25)
Working with Parentheses Do Now
It is a great idea to do this as a class after having introduced the topic. These three problems overly use parentheses. Example: (6 - √25)2
How to Process Radical Operations?
Multiple radical values will often undergo math operations between them. There are rules that govern the way we handle these operations. The number found above, somewhat outside of; the radical symbol is called the index. The value found encased under this symbol is called the radicand. When we add or subtract radicals it is very similar to combine terms. When adding them, we just combine their index values. Subtracting them follows a similar approach. We just subtract their index values. Multiplying them starts by multiplying the radicands under the same radical. We then start looking for perfect squares. We then rewrite the radicands as a product of the two. In the end we just simplify the values. When we divide them that have the same index just divide them under the radical. You complete it by dividing the front of the radical. Just about every problem on ever worksheet in this section contains radicals and exponents, as well as the operations required to check the results.
Radical equations are not only essential in high school mathematics but also in many advanced studies. It is essential to learn how to process types of problems because they have a large footprint in more advanced applications of math. We will explain what radicals are and how to process operations with them.
What are Radical Equations?
Any equation that has a radical in it is called a radical equation. Radicals are math exponents that are symbolized by '√.'
Have you seen a number on the left of the radical in a small size? That number is called a degree or index number. The number being rooted is called the radicand.
The index number states how many times a number needs to be multiplied to equal the radicand. For example, √36 would be 6 x 6, and ∛216 would be 6 x 6 x 6.
An equation written below the vinculum is called a radical equation. Likewise, an expression written below the vinculum is called a radical expression.
Rules of Processing Radical Operations
You can quickly solve equations involving radicals if you know the rules. Here are some of the core concepts behind these rules:
The radical is a square root (√) if there is no index number on the left of the radical.
If the number being rooted is positive, the result should also be positive. The result should be negative if the number being rooted is negative.
If the radicand is negative and an index number is an even number, the resultant should be an irrational number.
If the index number of a radical for two radicands being multiplied is the same, the radicands will multiply while the radical will remain the same. For example, ∛16 x ∛5 = ∛80.
If the index number of a radical for two radicands being divided is the same, the radicands will divide while the radical remains the same. For example, ∛16 / ∛4 = ∛4
The radicand can be split under two similar radicals. For example, √20 = √5 x √4
A radical can be removed if it is powered to the same number as the index number. For example (∛6)3 = 6
How to Process These Types of Operations
To process a radical operation, you need to follow the rules.
Addition and Subtraction
To add or subtract radical equations, you must separate like term variables. The thing to focus on is the radicand and the index. If they are the same, you can add or subtract the two. Let's look at an example:
Example 1: 5√6 + 8√6
Since the index number for both is a square root and the radicands are both six, we can add the exponents,
5√6 + 8√6 = √6(5 + 8) = 13√6
Example 2: 8√6 – 5√6
Since the index number for both is a square root and the radicands are both six, we can add the exponents,
8√6 – 5√6 = √6(8 – 5) = 3√6
Multiplication and Division
To multiply, you need separate the term variables. The thing to focus on is the index. If the index is the same, you can multiply the two. Let's look at an example.
Example 1: √8 x √5
Since the index is the same, we can multiply the radicands.
√8 x √5 = √(8 x 5) = √40
To divide radical equations, you need to rewrite the radicand as a product of different factors. Let's look at an example,
Example 2: √48/9
√48/9 = √48 / √9 = √(4 x 4 x 3 / √(3 x 3) = √(42 x 3) / √32 = √42 x √3 / √32 = (4 x √3) / 3