Multiply Square Roots: Solving √9 × √3 Step by Step

Square Root Multiplication with Radical Simplification

Solve the following exercise:

93= \sqrt{9}\cdot\sqrt{3}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following problem
00:03 The square root of a number (A) multiplied by the square root of another number (B)
00:07 equals the square root of their product (A multiplied by B)
00:10 Apply this formula to our exercise and calculate the product
00:13 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

93= \sqrt{9}\cdot\sqrt{3}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Although the square root of 9 is known (3) , in order to get a single expression we will use the laws of parentheses:

So- in order to simplify the given expression we will use two exponents laws:

A. Defining the root as a an exponent:

an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a}=a^{\frac{1}{n}} B. Multiplying different bases with the same power (in the opposite direction):

xnyn=(xy)n x^n\cdot y^n =(x\cdot y)^n

Let's start by changing the square root into an exponent using the law shown in A:

93=912312= \sqrt{9}\cdot\sqrt{3}= \\ \downarrow\\ 9^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{2}}= Since a multiplication is performed between two bases with the same exponent we can use the law shown in B.

912312=(93)12=2712=27 9^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{2}}= \\ (9\cdot3)^{\frac{1}{2}}=\\ 27^{\frac{1}{2}}=\\ \boxed{\sqrt{27}} In the last steps we performed the multiplication, and then used the law of defining the root as an exponent shown earlier in A (in the opposite direction) in order to return to the root notation.

Therefore, the correct answer is answer C.

3

Final Answer

27 \sqrt{27}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Multiply radicals by combining under one square root
  • Technique: 93=93=27 \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{9 \cdot 3} = \sqrt{27}
  • Check: Verify 27=93=33 \sqrt{27} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{3} = 3\sqrt{3}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Calculating each square root first then multiplying
    Don't calculate √9 = 3 first then multiply 3 × √3 = 3√3! This gives a different form than the expected radical answer. Always multiply the numbers under the radicals first: √9 × √3 = √(9×3) = √27.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( \sqrt{\frac{2}{4}}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I just calculate √9 = 3 first?

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While 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3 is correct, the problem asks for a single radical expression. Calculating separately gives 33 3\sqrt{3} , but combining first gives 27 \sqrt{27} - both are correct but in different forms!

How do I know when to multiply radicals together?

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You can multiply square roots when they have the same index (both are square roots). Use the rule: ab=ab \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{a \cdot b}

Is √27 the simplest form?

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27 \sqrt{27} can be simplified further! Since 27=9×3 27 = 9 \times 3 , we get 27=9×3=33 \sqrt{27} = \sqrt{9 \times 3} = 3\sqrt{3} . Both forms are correct!

What if the numbers under the radicals are different?

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It doesn't matter! As long as both are square roots, you can multiply them: 45=20 \sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{5} = \sqrt{20} , 28=16=4 \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{8} = \sqrt{16} = 4

Can I use this rule backwards?

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Yes! You can also split radicals: 12=4×3=43=23 \sqrt{12} = \sqrt{4 \times 3} = \sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{3} = 2\sqrt{3} . This is useful for simplifying!

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