Solve the Square Root Expression: Simplifying √(25x^4)

Square Root Properties with Perfect Powers

Solve the following exercise:

25x4= \sqrt{25x^4}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following expression
00:03 The square root of a number (M) multiplied by the square root of another number (N)
00:07 Equals the square root of their product (M times N)
00:14 Apply this formula to our exercise, and convert from root 1 to two
00:20 Break down 25 to 5 squared
00:24 Break down X to the fourth power into X squared squared
00:30 The square root of any number(M) squared cancels out the square
00:37 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:40 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:

25x4= \sqrt{25x^4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 25x4 \sqrt{25x^4} , we will use the product property of square roots.

First, separate the expression inside the square root into two parts:
25x4=25x4\sqrt{25x^4} = \sqrt{25} \cdot \sqrt{x^4}.

Next, simplify each square root:

  • 25=5\sqrt{25} = 5 because 52=255^2 = 25.
  • x4=x4/2=x2\sqrt{x^4} = x^{4/2} = x^2 since the square root of xnx^n is xn/2x^{n/2} for even nn.

Now combine the simplified terms:
5x25 \cdot x^2.

Therefore, the simplified expression is 5x25x^2.

The correct answer is therefore 5x2 \mathbf{5x^2} , which corresponds to choice 22.

3

Final Answer

5x2 5x^2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Product Rule: Split square roots: ab=ab \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b}
  • Power Rule: For even exponents: x4=x4/2=x2 \sqrt{x^4} = x^{4/2} = x^2
  • Check: Verify (5x2)2=25x4 (5x^2)^2 = 25x^4 matches original expression ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing the exponent by the wrong number
    Don't divide x^4 by 2 to get 2x^2 = wrong answer! This confuses coefficient with exponent. Always divide the exponent by 2: x^4 becomes x^(4÷2) = x^2, then multiply by √25 = 5.

Practice Quiz

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Choose the largest value

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I split √25x⁴ into two separate square roots?

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The product property of square roots lets you separate terms: 25x4=25x4 \sqrt{25x^4} = \sqrt{25} \cdot \sqrt{x^4} . This makes each part easier to simplify!

How do I know that √25 equals 5?

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Think: what number times itself gives 25? Since 5×5=25 5 \times 5 = 25 , we know 25=5 \sqrt{25} = 5 .

Why does √x⁴ become x² instead of staying x⁴?

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The square root undoes squaring. Since x4=(x2)2 x^4 = (x^2)^2 , taking the square root gives us x2 x^2 . Remember: xn=xn/2 \sqrt{x^n} = x^{n/2} !

What if x could be negative?

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For this problem, we assume x represents a positive value. In advanced algebra, you'd need to consider absolute values, but for now, focus on the basic simplification rules.

How can I check if 5x² is really correct?

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Square your answer! (5x2)2=52(x2)2=25x4=25x4 (5x^2)^2 = 5^2 \cdot (x^2)^2 = 25 \cdot x^4 = 25x^4 ✓ This matches the original expression under the square root.

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