Number Comparison: Identifying the Largest Value Among Given Numbers

Radical Expressions with Product Properties

Select the largest value from among the given options:

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Choose the largest value
00:03 When multiplying the square root of a number (A) by the square root of another number (B)
00:06 The result equals the square root of their product (A times B)
00:09 Apply this formula to our exercise and calculate the products
00:12 We'll use this method for all expressions in order to find the largest one
00:18 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Select the largest value from among the given options:

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to determine which of the suggested options has the largest numerical value, we will apply two laws of exponents:

a. Definition of root as an exponent:

an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a}=a^{\frac{1}{n}}

b. Law of exponents for exponents in parentheses (in reverse direction):

anbn=(ab)n a^n\cdot b^n=(a\cdot b)^n

Let's proceed to examine the options a and c (in the answers), starting by converting the square root to exponent notation, using the law of exponents mentioned in a earlier:

2321231216112612 \sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{3} \rightarrow 2^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{2}}\\ \sqrt{1}\cdot\sqrt{6} \rightarrow 1^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot6^{\frac{1}{2}}\\ Due to the fact that both terms in the multiplication have the same exponent, we are able to apply the law of exponents mentioned in b to combine them inside of parentheses, which are subsequently raised to the same exponent. Once completed proceed to calculate the result of the multiplication inside of the parentheses:

212312(23)12=612112612(16)12=612 2^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{2}} \rightarrow (2\cdot3)^{\frac{1}{2}}=6^{\frac{1}{2}} \\ 1^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot6^{\frac{1}{2}}\rightarrow(1\cdot6)^{\frac{1}{2}}=6^{\frac{1}{2}} \\ In the next step, we will return to root notation, again, using the law of exponents mentioned in a (in reverse direction):

6126 6^{\frac{1}{2}}\rightarrow\sqrt{6} \\ We can deduce that the numerical values of options a, b, and c are equal, as seen below:

23212312=612=616112612=612=6 \sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{3} \rightarrow 2^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{2}}=6^{\frac{1}{2}}=\sqrt{6}\\ \sqrt{1}\cdot\sqrt{6} \rightarrow 1^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot6^{\frac{1}{2}}=6^{\frac{1}{2}}=\sqrt{6}\\ Therefore, we need to determine which of these expressions:

6,9 \sqrt{6}, \hspace{6pt}\sqrt{9} has a higher numerical value,

This can be achieved by converting these two values to exponent notation, again, using the law of exponents mentioned in a:

66129912 \sqrt{6}\rightarrow6^{\frac{1}{2}}\\ \sqrt{9}\rightarrow9^{\frac{1}{2}}\\ Note that these two expressions have the same exponent (and their bases are positive), Therefore we can determine their relationship by simply comparing their bases, since it will be identical:

9>6(>0)912>612 9>6\hspace{4pt} (>0)\\ \downarrow\\ 9^{\frac{1}{2}}>6^{\frac{1}{2}} In other words, we got that:

9>6 \sqrt{9}>\sqrt{6}

Therefore, the correct answer is answer d.

3

Final Answer

9 \sqrt{9}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Product Rule: ab=ab \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{ab} for positive values
  • Technique: Convert to common form: 23=6 \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{6}
  • Check: Compare simplified values: 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3 vs 62.45 \sqrt{6} \approx 2.45

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Comparing radicals without simplifying
    Don't compare 23 \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{3} and 9 \sqrt{9} directly without simplifying = impossible comparison! Different forms hide their true values. Always simplify all expressions to standard form first, then compare the results.

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

How do I know which radical expression is larger?

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First simplify all expressions to their simplest radical form. Then either convert to decimal approximations or compare the numbers under the radical signs when they have the same index.

Can I multiply square roots together?

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Yes! Use the product property: ab=ab \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{ab} . For example, 23=6 \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{6} .

Why are some of these answer choices equal?

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Different radical expressions can have the same value! For instance, 23 \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{3} , 6 \sqrt{6} , and 16 \sqrt{1} \cdot \sqrt{6} all equal 6 \sqrt{6} .

What's the easiest way to compare 6 \sqrt{6} and 9 \sqrt{9} ?

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Since they're both square roots, compare what's under the radical: 9 > 6, so 9>6 \sqrt{9} > \sqrt{6} . You can also note that 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3 .

Do I need to memorize decimal values of square roots?

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Not necessarily! Focus on recognizing perfect squares like 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3 and using comparison techniques. Decimal approximations are helpful for checking, but not required.

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