Not using the product property

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 71 views

Which Choices are Equivalent to the Expression Below?

Understanding the Given Expression

The given expression is $6 \sqrt{3}$ . This expression can be broken down into two parts: a numerical coefficient of 6 and a square root term of $\sqrt{3}$ . To find equivalent expressions, we need to manipulate the given expression using the properties of radicals.

Properties of Radicals

Before we dive into the equivalent expressions, let's recall some key properties of radicals:

Product Property: $\sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{ab}$
Power Property: $(\sqrt{a})^n = a^{\frac{n}{2}}$
Quotient Property: $\frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}} = \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}}$

Equivalent Expressions

Now, let's analyze each choice to determine if it is equivalent to the given expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ .

A. $\sqrt{18} \cdot \sqrt{6}$

Using the product property, we can rewrite this expression as $\sqrt{18 \cdot 6} = \sqrt{108}$ . However, this is not equivalent to the given expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ .

B. $\sqrt{3} \cdot \sqrt{6}$

Using the product property, we can rewrite this expression as $\sqrt{3 \cdot 6} = \sqrt{18}$ . However, this is not equivalent to the given expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ .

C. 108

This choice is a numerical value, not an expression involving radicals. Therefore, it is not equivalent to the given expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ .

D. $\sqrt{108}$

Using the product property, we can rewrite this expression as $\sqrt{36 \cdot 3} = 6 \sqrt{3}$ . This is equivalent to the given expression.

E. $\sqrt{54}$

Using the product property, we can rewrite this expression as $\sqrt{9 \cdot 6} = 3 \sqrt{6}$ . However, this is not equivalent to the given expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ .

F. $\sqrt{3} \cdot \sqrt{6}$

This is the same as choice B, and we have already determined that it is not equivalent to the given expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ .

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, the only choice that is equivalent to the expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ is:

D. $\sqrt{108}$

This is because $\sqrt{108}$ can be rewritten as $6 \sqrt{3}$ using the product property.

Additional Tips and Tricks

When working with radicals, it's essential to remember the properties of radicals and how to manipulate them. Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Simplify radicals: When possible, simplify radicals by factoring the radicand into prime factors.
Use the product property: Use the product property to combine radicals with the same index.
Use the power property: Use the power property to raise radicals to a power.
Use the quotient property: Use the quotient property to divide radicals with the same index.

By following these tips and tricks, you can become more comfortable working with radicals and find equivalent expressions with ease.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with radicals, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not simplifying radicals: Failing to simplify radicals can lead to incorrect answers.
Not using the product property: Failing to use the product property can lead to incorrect answers.
Not using the power property: Failing to use the power property can lead to incorrect answers.
Not using the quotient property: Failing to use the quotient property can lead to incorrect answers.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your answers are accurate and correct.

Real-World Applications

Radicals have many real-world applications, including:

Physics: Radicals are used to describe the motion of objects in physics.
Engineering: Radicals are used to describe the properties of materials in engineering.
Computer Science: Radicals are used to describe the properties of algorithms in computer science.

By understanding radicals and how to manipulate them, you can apply this knowledge to real-world problems and become a more well-rounded mathematician.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only choice that is equivalent to the expression $6 \sqrt{3}$ is:

D. $\sqrt{108}$

This is because $\sqrt{108}$ can be rewritten as $6 \sqrt{3}$ using the product property. By understanding radicals and how to manipulate them, you can become more comfortable working with radicals and find equivalent expressions with ease.
Radicals Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Understanding Radicals

Q: What is a radical?

A: A radical is a mathematical expression that involves a square root or other root of a number. It is denoted by a symbol called a radical sign, which looks like a checkmark (√).

Q: What is the difference between a radical and a square root?

A: A radical is a general term that refers to any root of a number, while a square root is a specific type of radical that involves the square root of a number.

Q: How do I simplify a radical?

A: To simplify a radical, you need to factor the radicand (the number inside the radical sign) into prime factors. Then, you can use the product property to combine the factors and simplify the radical.

Q: What is the product property of radicals?

A: The product property of radicals states that the product of two radicals with the same index is equal to the radical of the product of the two numbers inside the radicals.

Q: How do I use the product property to simplify a radical?

A: To use the product property to simplify a radical, you need to multiply the numbers inside the radicals and then take the square root of the product.

Q: What is the power property of radicals?

A: The power property of radicals states that a radical raised to a power is equal to the radical of the number inside the radical raised to that power.

Q: How do I use the power property to simplify a radical?

A: To use the power property to simplify a radical, you need to raise the number inside the radical to the power indicated and then take the square root of the result.

Q: What is the quotient property of radicals?

A: The quotient property of radicals states that the quotient of two radicals with the same index is equal to the radical of the quotient of the two numbers inside the radicals.

Q: How do I use the quotient property to simplify a radical?

A: To use the quotient property to simplify a radical, you need to divide the numbers inside the radicals and then take the square root of the result.

Q: Can I simplify a radical that has a coefficient?

A: Yes, you can simplify a radical that has a coefficient. To do this, you need to factor the coefficient and the radicand into prime factors, and then use the product property to combine the factors and simplify the radical.

Q: Can I simplify a radical that has a variable?

A: Yes, you can simplify a radical that has a variable. To do this, you need to factor the variable and the radicand into prime factors, and then use the product property to combine the factors and simplify the radical.

Q: How do I know when to simplify a radical?

A: You should simplify a radical whenever possible. Simplifying radicals can help you to:

Reduce the complexity of an expression
Make it easier to solve equations and inequalities
Make it easier to graph functions

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying radicals?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying radicals include:

Not factoring the radicand into prime factors
Not using the product property to combine the factors
Not using the power property to raise the radical to a power
Not using the quotient property to divide the radicals

Conclusion

Radicals can be intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you can become more comfortable working with radicals and find equivalent expressions with ease. By understanding the properties of radicals and how to manipulate them, you can apply this knowledge to real-world problems and become a more well-rounded mathematician.

Additional Resources

If you need additional help with radicals, here are some additional resources that you can use:

Textbooks: There are many textbooks that cover radicals in detail. Some popular textbooks include "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Michael Sullivan and "College Algebra" by James Stewart.
Online resources: There are many online resources that can help you with radicals, including Khan Academy, Mathway, and Wolfram Alpha.
Practice problems: Practice problems are a great way to reinforce your understanding of radicals. You can find practice problems in textbooks, online resources, or by creating your own problems.

Conclusion

Radicals are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and they can be intimidating at first. However, with practice and patience, you can become more comfortable working with radicals and find equivalent expressions with ease. By understanding the properties of radicals and how to manipulate them, you can apply this knowledge to real-world problems and become a more well-rounded mathematician.