How do you simplify #7\sqrt { 2} - 8\sqrt { 7} - 3\sqrt { 2} + 9\sqrt { 7}#?

1 Answer
Nov 18, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, group common terms:

#7color(red)(sqrt(2)) - 8color(blue)(sqrt(7)) - 3color(red)(sqrt(2)) + 9color(blue)(sqrt(7)) =>#

#7color(red)(sqrt(2)) - 3color(red)(sqrt(2)) - 8color(blue)(sqrt(7)) + 9color(blue)(sqrt(7))#

Now, combine like terms:

#(7 - 3)color(red)(sqrt(2)) + (-8 + 9)color(blue)(sqrt(7)) =>#

#4color(red)(sqrt(2)) + 1color(blue)(sqrt(7)) =>#

#4color(red)(sqrt(2)) + color(blue)(sqrt(7))#