Re: What is the value of the expression 3 sqrt 80-2 sqrt 5
[#permalink]
28 May 2023, 23:34
OE
The problem is subtracting roots. Since roots cannot be subtracted unless the numbers under the radical sign are equal, look for a way to simplify the roots. Since 5 cannot be simplified any further, work with 80. The factors of 80 are 1 and 80, 2 and 40, 4 and 20, 5 and 16, and 8 and 10. Two of these pairs of factors contain a perfect square, but one contains a perfect square and a prime number. This is a good thing. This means that it could be reduced no further, so choose 5 and 16 and simplify to read
\(3 \sqrt{80}=3 \sqrt{5 *16} =3*4 \sqrt{5 }=12 \sqrt{5}\)
Now that the bases are equal, subtract the expression to find that \(12 \sqrt{5 }- 2 \sqrt{5}= 10 \sqrt{5}\)