Pre-Calculus 11 Notes

By: Gen L.

Lesson 2: Multiplying / Dividing Radicals

Multiplying Radicals

• Similar process to multiplying rationals, but challenging.
• Multiply coefficents, then radicands, and simplify.
• Example:
• Also works in higher indices

Examples: Multiplying Radicals

• Variables are multiplied the same ways.

Example: Distributive

Dividing Radicals

• Similar to Multiplication.
• Divide coefficients, then radicals, and simplify.
• Example:
• Works with higher indices.
• No Radicals in Denominator.

Rationalization

• IF there is a radical in the denominator, you need to rationalize the denominator.
• Two Possible Situations:
  • Radical Monomial

Rationalization, cont.

• Radical Binomial:
• Multiply numerator & denominator by the conjugate of the binomial.
• Conjugate: Same terms, opposite sign.

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