SOLUTION: Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radical represent nonnegative numbers. sqrt( 18a^2b ) I'm confused as I've seen similar problems set up stating to t

Algebra.Com
Question 132991: Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radical represent nonnegative numbers.
sqrt( 18a^2b )
I'm confused as I've seen similar problems set up stating to think of them as positive numbers. Please help.

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with the given expression


Break up the root


Simplify to get


Simplify to get


Combine the square roots



So simplifies to


In other words, if a and b are positive numbers (since you cannot take the square root of a negative number)

RELATED QUESTIONS

Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent nonnegative... (answered by jim_thompson5910)
Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent nonnegative... (answered by rapaljer)
Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent nonnegative... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)
simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent nonnegative... (answered by checkley77)
Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent nonnegative... (answered by Edwin McCravy)
Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent nonnegative... (answered by ewatrrr)
Simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radicals represent non-negative (answered by robertb)
Multiply and simplify by factoring. Assume that all expressions under radical represent... (answered by jrfrunner)
simplify by factoring assume that all expressions under the radical represent nonnegative (answered by jsmallt9)