How do you evaluate #\sqrt { 8} + \sqrt { 18} - \sqrt { 32} #?

1 Answer
Jun 17, 2017

#sqrt8+sqrt(18)-sqrt32=color(blue)(sqrt2#

Explanation:

Evaluate:

#sqrt8+sqrt(18)-sqrt32#

The terms can be added or subtracted only if they have the same square root. Prime factorize each square root.

#sqrt(2xx2xx2)+sqrt(2xx3xx3)-sqrt(2xx2xx2xx2xx2)#

Rewrite with exponents.

#sqrt(2^2xx2)+sqrt(2xx3^2)-sqrt(2^2xx2^2xx2)#

Simplify.

#2sqrt2+3sqrt2-4sqrt2#

Simplify.

#sqrt2#