Addition and Subtraction of Radicals

Addition & Subtraction of Radicals

Addition and Subtraction of Radicals Radicals can only be added or subtracted if they are like radicals – that is, if they have the same radicand and index.

n

n

n

x a + y a = (x+y) a

x a – y a = (x–y) a n

n

n

To add or subtract like radicals, simply add/subtract the coefficients of the radicals without changing the radicand or index.

Addition and Subtraction of Radicals Radicals can only be added or subtracted if they are like radicals – that is, if they have the same radicand and index.

2 x + 6 x =8 x

5 3y – 3

3

3

3y = 4 3y

To add or subtract like radicals, simply add/subtract the coefficients of the radicals without changing the radicand or index.

Perform the arithmetic in the following expression. Express your answer in simplest radical form.

5 6 –4 6 +2 3 +8 6

Perform the arithmetic in the following expression. Express your answer in simplest radical form.

6 2x – 4 2x +

a. b. c. d.

2 2x + 32x 6 2x 3 32x none of the above

32x

Perform the arithmetic in the following expression. Express your answer in simplest radical form.

6 2x – 4 2x +

32x