Simplifying Radical Expressions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Marcin H
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on simplifying the radical expression (sqrt(xy))/y and understanding its equivalence to sqrt(x/y). Participants express confusion over the simplification process, particularly in how to manipulate the square roots. It is noted that if y is greater than zero, y can be expressed as sqrt(y^2), which aids in the simplification. Clarification is sought on the steps involved in reaching the conclusion that (sqrt(xy))/y simplifies to sqrt(x/y). Understanding these radical simplifications is essential for mastering algebraic expressions.
Marcin H
Messages
306
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


I just had a simplification question. How is (sqrt(xy))/y the same thing as sqrt(x/y)??

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't see how you can get that. I tried square rooting the top and bottom, but I don't think that gets you anywhere...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Marcin H said:

Homework Statement


I just had a simplification question. How is (sqrt(xy))/y the same thing as sqrt(x/y)??

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't see how you can get that. I tried square rooting the top and bottom, but I don't think that gets you anywhere...
If y > 0, then ##\ y=\sqrt{y^2}\ .\ ## Right ?
 
  • Like
Likes Marcin H
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Essentially I just have this problem that I'm stuck on, on a sheet about complex numbers: Show that, for ##|r|<1,## $$1+r\cos(x)+r^2\cos(2x)+r^3\cos(3x)...=\frac{1-r\cos(x)}{1-2r\cos(x)+r^2}$$ My first thought was to express it as a geometric series, where the real part of the sum of the series would be the series you see above: $$1+re^{ix}+r^2e^{2ix}+r^3e^{3ix}...$$ The sum of this series is just: $$\frac{(re^{ix})^n-1}{re^{ix} - 1}$$ I'm having some trouble trying to figure out what to...
Back
Top