How does \sqrt{1+((x^2)/(4-x^2))} simplify to 2 times\sqrt{1/(4-x^2)}?

In summary, to simplify \sqrt{1+((x^2)/(4-x^2))} to 2 times \sqrt{1/(4-x^2)}, one must first find a common denominator and then use the property of a square root where the square root of a fraction is the same as the square root of the numerator over the square root of the denominator. It may be helpful to rewrite in a form without parentheses and use the hint that 1 can be written as \frac{4-x^2}{4-x^2}.
  • #1
Waggattack
4
0
1.I can't figure out how the [tex]\sqrt{1+((x^2)/(4-x^2))}[/tex] simplifies to 2 times[tex]\sqrt{1/(4-x^2)}[/tex]


I have tried rewriting it in different ways, but I can't see how it simplifies. [tex]\sqrt{x^2 + 1/4-x^2}[/tex]
 
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  • #2
The first thing to do is find a common denominator. Then you will be able to zero out some terms. Then, using the property of a square root, the square root of a fraction is the same as the square root of the numerator over the square root of the denominator. This will give you the answer.
 
  • #3
Waggattack said:
[tex]\sqrt{1+((x^2)/(4-x^2))}[/tex] simplifies to 2 times [tex]\sqrt{1/(4-x^2)}[/tex]

It may help to rewrite these in a form where you don't need the parentheses.

[tex]\sqrt{1+{{x^2}\over{4-x^2}}}[/tex] simplifies to [tex]2\sqrt{{{1}\over{4-x^2}}}[/tex]
Does that make it easier?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Hint: 1 in the square root, [tex]1=\frac{4-x^2}{4-x^2}[/tex]
 
  • #5
In other words, write
[tex]1+\frac{x^2}{4-x^2}[/tex]
as
[tex]\frac{4- x^2}{4- x^2}+ \frac{x^2}{4- x^2}[/tex]
and add the fractions.
 

What is a square root?

A square root is the number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 9 is 3, because 3 multiplied by 3 equals 9.

Why is it important to simplify a square root?

Simplifying a square root makes it easier to work with and understand the number. It also allows us to compare and perform operations on different square roots more easily.

How do you simplify a square root?

To simplify a square root, you need to find the largest perfect square that is a factor of the number inside the square root. Then, you can take the square root of that perfect square and bring it outside the square root symbol.

What are perfect squares?

Perfect squares are numbers that have whole numbers as their square roots. For example, 4 is a perfect square because its square root is 2, which is a whole number.

Can you simplify a square root that is not a perfect square?

Yes, you can simplify square roots that are not perfect squares. For example, the square root of 12 can be simplified to 2√3.

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