Question

Adding 'like' square root terms is like stacking boxes of the same size. For example, 2√2 + 4√2 + 7√2 = _____.

1 . 13
2.13√2
3. 26
4. 26√2

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

2. 13√2

Explanation:

You can consider the radical as though it were some (non-numeric) symbol.

Using Ф for √2, this becomes ...

2Ф +4Ф +7Ф = (2+4+7)Ф = 13Ф

Using √2 for Ф, this becomes ...

= 13√2

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In short, do not be intimidated by the radical expression. Treat it as you would any other symbol for purposes of collecting terms. (Of course, you can only combine "like" radicals.)