Simplifying √(1)2+(2t)2+(2t2)2= 1+2t2: Understanding the Solution

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Homework Statement



√(1)2+(2t)2+(2t2)2= 1+2t2

I'm a bit confused I'm getting √(1+4t^2+4t^2) don't quite understand how they are getting the above answer.

Thanks


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Mdhiggenz said:

Homework Statement



√(1)2+(2t)2+(2t2)2= 1+2t2

I'm a bit confused I'm getting √(1+4t^2+4t^2) don't quite understand how they are getting the above answer.

Thanks
An algebra mistake:##\sqrt{1+(2t)^2+(2t^2)^2}=\sqrt{1+4t^2+4t^4}## Does that help?
 
No, that was a typo on my part. I originally got the same thing as you. If you factor out a 4t^2

You get √1+4t^2(1+t^2). I don't see how anything can be canceled due to that pesky 1 term.
 
Mdhiggenz said:
No, that was a typo on my part. I originally got the same thing as you. If you factor out a 4t^2

You get √1+4t^2(1+t^2). I don't see how anything can be canceled due to that pesky 1 term.

There's no cancellation here. You're merely simplifying the left hand side to get the right hand side.

What is [itex]{(1 + 2t^2)}^2[/itex]?
 
Haha wow silly me. This has always actually confused me, is there a set formula to condense it the way you did?

Thanks again for the help
 
Mdhiggenz said:
Haha wow silly me. This has always actually confused me, is there a set formula to condense it the way you did?

Thanks again for the help

No, just observation of the form [itex]a^2 + 2ab + b^2[/itex]. I guess it comes with experience and practice. :smile: