The Algebra Teacher\'s Guide to Reteaching Essential Concepts and Skills

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1
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WORKSHEET 7.8: SIMPLIFYING SQUARE ROOTS
OF NEGATIVE NUMBERS
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The square root of a negative number can be simplified by using the imaginary uniti,whichis
equal to


− 1. Follow the steps below to simplify the square roots of negative numbers:


  1. Factor the radicand by finding the product of



− 1 and the other radicand.


  1. Replace



− 1 byi.


  1. Simplify the radical.

  2. Multiply the numbers directly preceding the radicals, if applicable.


EXAMPLE
Simplify 7


− 48.

7


− 48 = 7


− 1 ·


48 = 7 i


48 = 7 i


16 ·


3 = 7 i· 4


3 = 28 i


3

DIRECTIONS: Simplify each expression.







− 16 2. 4



− 20






− 27 4.



− 12


  1. 2



− 30 6. 3



− 18






− 10 8. 4



− 54


  1. 3



− 24 10. − 4



− 50

CHALLENGE:Marta expressed


−512 in simplified form as 8i



  1. Was she
    correct? Explain your answer.


267

Copyright


©


2011 by Judith A. Muschla, Gary Robert Muschla, and Erin Muschla. All rights reserved.

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