How To: Simplify square roots in algebra

Watch the following video to understand the steps necessary when simplifying square roots.

To simplify expressions with radicals, follow these simple steps:

• Write the radicand (the number underneath the radical sign) as a product of prime numbers. For larger numbers you can write the factor tree to find the prime factorization.

• In this prime factorization identify pairs of equal numbers.

• For each such pair, take one number in front of the radical sign and do not write the other equal number at all.

• Multiply the remaining factors underneath the radical sign.