How do you simplify #sqrt(40a^2)#?

1 Answer
Mar 11, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, rewrite the term in the radical as:

#sqrt(4a^2 * 10)#

Next, use this rule for radicals to simplify the radical:

#sqrt(color(red)(a) * color(blue)(b)) = sqrt(color(red)(a)) * sqrt(color(blue)(b))#

#sqrt(color(red)(4a^2) * color(blue)(10)) =>#

#sqrt(color(red)(4a^2)) * sqrt(color(blue)(10)) =>#

#2asqrt(color(blue)(10))#