Simplifying Surds: Adding and Subtracting

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying surds, specifically the addition and subtraction of expressions involving square roots. The user initially simplifies the expression involving \(\sqrt{80}\) to \(2\sqrt{20}\) and then combines it with \(\sqrt{20}\) to arrive at \(3\sqrt{20}\). Ultimately, the expression is further simplified to \(6\sqrt{5}\). This demonstrates the process of breaking down surds into their simplest forms through factorization and combination.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of surds and square roots
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Familiarity with factorization techniques
  • Knowledge of simplifying radical expressions
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  • Study the properties of square roots and surds
  • Practice simplifying complex surd expressions
  • Learn about rationalizing denominators in surd expressions
  • Explore advanced topics in algebra involving radicals
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Students learning algebra, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to improve their skills in simplifying surd expressions.

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Ok here is my problem, I am not sure how to simplify surds with additions and subtractions in them such as ones like this:

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/474/math010iz.gif

At the moment I have managed to simplify it to this:

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2011/math026eg.gif

However it is not simplified as possible, can someone give me some words of wisdom? Any help greatly appreciated!
 
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In this case, 80 = 4 x 20, so [itex]\sqrt{80}=\sqrt 4 \times\sqrt {20}=2\sqrt {20}[/itex].

Therefore [itex]\sqrt{20}+\sqrt{80}= (1+2)\sqrt{20}=3\sqrt{20}[/itex], which is [itex]3\times 2\times\sqrt 5 = 6\sqrt 5[/itex].
 

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