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How to Multiply Using Radicals

Math students in high school and college algebra and calculus courses frequently have to multiply values containing radicals. Radicals are symbols that resemble check marks. When placed over a value, these symbols indicate that you are to take a certain root of that value. A root of a term refers to a value multiplied by itself a specific number of times to equal the original term. When multiplying radicals, you must follow certain basic rules.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write out the multiplication problem. For example, you might have √2 * √3.

    • 2

      Rewrite the problem with one radical sign covering the values that are to be multiplied. In this example, √2 * √3 would become √2*3.

    • 3

      Multiply the values under the radical sign. In this example, √2 * 3 would equal √6.

    • 4

      Add the exponents for the multiplication of radicals containing like bases. For example, if you have √b^3 * √b^4, your answer would be √b^7.

    • 5

      Convert your answer containing a radical to a fractional exponent if necessary. The number to the upper left of the radical (known as the index) would be the denominator of the exponent. If there is no number to the upper left of the radical, you have a square root and the index is 2. For example, if you have the answer √b^7, you can rewrite this as b^7/2.

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