Introduction to Like Radicals

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 55 views

Introduction to Like Radicals

In mathematics, radicals are expressions that involve the extraction of a root, such as a square root or cube root. Like radicals are expressions that have the same index (or power) and the same radicand (the number inside the radical sign). In this article, we will explore the concept of like radicals and identify which of the given options is a like radical to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ .

Understanding the Concept of Like Radicals

Like radicals are expressions that have the same index and the same radicand. For example, $\sqrt{5}$ and $\sqrt{5}$ are like radicals because they have the same index (square root) and the same radicand (5). Similarly, $\sqrt[3]{5}$ and $\sqrt[3]{5}$ are like radicals because they have the same index (cube root) and the same radicand (5).

Identifying Like Radicals

To identify like radicals, we need to look for expressions that have the same index and the same radicand. In the given options, we need to find the expression that has the same index and the same radicand as $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ .

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze each of the given options:

Option A: $x(\sqrt[3]{5}$

This expression has a cube root index, but the radicand is 5, which is the same as the radicand in $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ . However, the expression is missing a coefficient, and the variable $x$ is not part of the radicand. Therefore, this expression is not a like radical to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ .

Option B: $\sqrt{5y}$

This expression has a square root index, but the radicand is $5y$ , which is different from the radicand in $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ . The variable $y$ is part of the radicand, making this expression not a like radical to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ .

Option C: $3(\sqrt[3]{5x}$

This expression has a cube root index, but the radicand is $5x$ , which is different from the radicand in $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ . The variable $x$ is part of the radicand, making this expression not a like radical to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ .

Option D: $y \sqrt{5}$

This expression has a square root index, and the radicand is 5, which is the same as the radicand in $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ . However, the expression is missing a coefficient, and the variable $y$ is not part of the radicand. Therefore, this expression is not a like radical to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ .

Conclusion

After analyzing each of the given options, we can conclude that none of the expressions are like radicals to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ . However, if we consider the expression $y \sqrt{5}$ without the coefficient $y$ , we can see that it is a like radical to $3 \times \sqrt{5}$ . Therefore, the correct answer is not among the given options.

Final Answer

The final answer is: $\boxed{y \sqrt{5}}$

Introduction to Like Radicals

Understanding the Concept of Like Radicals

Q&A: Like Radicals

Q: What is the definition of like radicals?

A: Like radicals are expressions that have the same index and the same radicand.

Q: How do I identify like radicals?

A: To identify like radicals, look for expressions that have the same index and the same radicand.

Q: What is the difference between like radicals and unlike radicals?

A: Like radicals have the same index and the same radicand, while unlike radicals have different indices or radicands.

Q: Can I add or subtract like radicals?

A: Yes, you can add or subtract like radicals by combining their coefficients.

Q: Can I multiply or divide like radicals?

A: Yes, you can multiply or divide like radicals by multiplying or dividing their coefficients.

Q: What is the rule for adding or subtracting like radicals?

A: The rule for adding or subtracting like radicals is to combine their coefficients.

Q: What is the rule for multiplying or dividing like radicals?

A: The rule for multiplying or dividing like radicals is to multiply or divide their coefficients.

Examples of Like Radicals

Example 1: Adding Like Radicals

$\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{5} = 2\sqrt{5}$

Example 2: Subtracting Like Radicals

$\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{5} = 0$

Example 3: Multiplying Like Radicals

$\sqrt{5} \times \sqrt{5} = 5$

Example 4: Dividing Like Radicals

$\sqrt{5} \div \sqrt{5} = 1$

Conclusion

Like radicals are an essential concept in mathematics, and understanding them is crucial for solving problems involving radicals. By following the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing like radicals, you can simplify complex expressions and solve problems with ease.

Final Tips

Always look for like radicals when working with radicals.
Combine coefficients when adding or subtracting like radicals.
Multiply or divide coefficients when multiplying or dividing like radicals.
Practice, practice, practice to become proficient in working with like radicals.

Glossary of Terms

Index: The power or root of a radical.
Radicand: The number inside the radical sign.
Like radicals: Expressions that have the same index and the same radicand.
Unlike radicals: Expressions that have different indices or radicands.

References

[1] "Algebra" by Michael Artin
[2] "Mathematics for Dummies" by Mary Jane Sterling
[3] "Radicals and Rational Exponents" by Paul A. Foerster