Solve the Square Root Expression: Simplifying √(11x²)

Square Root Simplification with Variables

Solve the following exercise:

11x2= \sqrt{11x^2}=

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

11x2= \sqrt{11x^2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to simplify the given expression, apply the following three laws of exponents:

a. Definition of root as an exponent:

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

b. Law of exponents for an exponent applied to terms in parentheses:

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

c. Law of exponents for an exponent raised to an exponent:

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n}

Begin by converting the fourth root to an exponent using the law of exponents mentioned in a:

11x2=(11x2)12= \sqrt{11x^2}= \\ \downarrow\\ (11x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}=

Next, we'll use the law of exponents mentioned in b and apply the exponent to each term in the parentheses:

(11x2)12=1112(x2)12 (11x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}= \\ 11^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot(x^2)^{{\frac{1}{2}}}

Let's continue, using the law of exponents mentioned in c and perform the exponent applied to the term with an exponent in parentheses (the second term in the multiplication):

1112(x2)12=1112x212=1112x1=11x 11^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot(x^2)^{{\frac{1}{2}}} = \\ 11^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot x^{2\cdot\frac{1}{2}}=\\ 11^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot x^{1}=\\ \boxed{\sqrt{11} x}\\ In the final step, we converted the one-half exponent applied to the first term in the multiplication back to a fourth root, again, according to the definition of root as an exponent mentioned in a (in the reverse direction).

Therefore, the correct answer is answer c.

3

Final Answer

11x \sqrt{11}x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Use ab=ab \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} to separate terms
  • Technique: Apply x2=x \sqrt{x^2} = |x| but assume x ≥ 0 here
  • Check: Verify (11x)2=11x2 (\sqrt{11}x)^2 = 11x^2 matches original ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Taking square root of coefficient and variable separately incorrectly
    Don't write 11x2=11x \sqrt{11x^2} = 11x by ignoring the square root symbol! This treats the square root like it doesn't exist and gives a completely wrong answer. Always keep the square root over constants that aren't perfect squares: 11x2=11x \sqrt{11x^2} = \sqrt{11} \cdot x .

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 can't I just remove the square root and write 11x²?

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The square root symbol means you need to find what number, when squared, gives you 11x2 11x^2 . Simply removing it ignores the operation completely! Think: what times itself equals 11x2 11x^2 ?

Why does x² become just x under the square root?

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Because x2=x \sqrt{x^2} = x (assuming x ≥ 0). The square root and the square cancel each other out. It's like asking: what number squared gives you x²? The answer is x!

What about the 11? Why doesn't it become just 11?

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Because 11 is not a perfect square! 11 \sqrt{11} cannot be simplified to a whole number, so we leave it as 11 \sqrt{11} in our final answer.

How do I know when to separate terms under a square root?

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Use the property ab=ab \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} . When you have different types of terms (like a number and a variable), separate them to simplify each part individually.

What if x could be negative?

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In advanced math, we'd write x2=x \sqrt{x^2} = |x| (absolute value). But for most algebra problems, we assume variables represent positive values unless stated otherwise.

Can I check my answer by squaring it?

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Yes! If you square 11x \sqrt{11}x , you should get back to the original expression: (11x)2=11x2 (\sqrt{11}x)^2 = 11x^2 . This confirms your answer is correct!

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