Question

How do you evaluate `2sqrt3-4sqrt2`?

Answer 1

There is no way to evaulate this without a calculator because `2sqrt(3)` and `4sqrt(2)` are already in their simplest form and do not have a radical in common. Using a calculator, `2sqrt(3) - 4sqrt(2) ~~ -2.19`

Explanation:

To add or subtract radicals, the radicals must be simplified and can only be added when they have a common radical. Just like you can only combine like terms in algebra, you can only combine like radicals. Read this for more information.