Lesson 4

Discover

 

In Lesson 3 you learned that radicals cannot be added together if they have different radicands, so does not equal (Different radicands cannot be subtracted, either; therefore, does not equal ) You can, however, add two radicals together if they have the same radicand, so (For subtraction, this means )

 

Is the same true for multiplication and division? What are the restrictions and rules that apply when multiplying and dividing radicals?

 

Try This 1

 

Use a calculator to complete the Multiplying Radicals Chart.

 

Remember that you may need to include brackets in your calculator to get the correct answers. To enter , for example, you will need to include brackets around the radicands. The following keystrokes will be needed for most calculators:

 

 

 

Try This 2

 

Use a calculator to complete Dividing Radicals Chart.

 

Share 1

 

Based on your observations from both of the Try This activities, work with a partner to create a rule that applies to the multiplication and division of radical expressions.

 

Place a copy of the rule you created in your course folder.