Simplify each expression by writing your answers in simplest radical form (no decimals). Assume that all variables represent positive numbers.

Question

I came up with -5sqrt5 but i dont fully grasp the topic, may someone explain that? or let me know if that's wrong?

−9√5 + 5√5

Answer 1

Rachel,

Don't let the visual of the square root sign confuse you, just look at it this way:

You have -9 of something and you have +5 of the same thing-- what is your result if you combine them?

Hope this helps--Andrew F.