Introduction: Algebraic Operations with Radical Expressions
When you learned how to solve linear equations, you probably learned about like terms first. We can only combine terms that are alike, otherwise the terms will lose their meaning. When you learn how to perform algebraic operations on radical expressions in this section you will use the concept of like terms in a new way. You will also use the distributive property, rules for exponents, and methods for multiplying binomials to perform algebraic operations on radical expressions.The learning outcomes for this lesson include:
- Multiply and divide radical expressions
- Use the product raised to a power rule to multiply radical expressions
- Use the quotient raised to a power rule to divide radical expressions
- Determine when two radicals have the same index and radicand
- Recognize when a radical expression can be simplified either before or after addition or subtraction
- Use the distributive property to multiply multiple term radicals
- Use the power of a product rule to simplify products of multiple term
- Define and recognize a rational number
- Rationalize denominators with one or multiple terms
The learning activities for this lesson include:
- Read: Multiply and Divide Radical Expressions
- Self-Check: Multiply and Divide Radical Expressions
- Read: Add and Subtract Radical Expressions
- Self-Check: Add and Subtract Radical Expressions
- Read: Multiple Term Radicals
- Self-Check: Multiple Term Radicals
- Read: Rationalize Denominators
- Self-Check: Rationalize Denominators
