We are studying nth roots and rational exponents 
and I need help! 

Problem:

4/square root of 176 + 4/square root of 11=



We begin by breaking 176 down into prime factors:

176 = 2x88 = 2x2x44 = 2x2x4x11 = 2x2x2x2x11

11 is already a prime number

So we have



Group the like factors into pairs:



Write each pair as a square (of 2):

 

Distribute the Ö over its factors:



Now the square root of the square of a number is
just the number, so the square root of 2 squared is
just 2.



Now the  on the bottom is just 



Now we can cancel the 's:



Since the two fractions have a common
denominator, then we can just add the
two numerators and place it over the common
denominator:



If your teacher wants you to rationalize
the denominator and get the answer



then post again asking how to rationalize
the denominator.

Problem: How do you type in the square root of problems 
using symbols?

Take the example 

I'll have to tell you in steps, because if I type it on 
here like you are to type it in you will just show up as


1. Type three braces in a row { { { but don't skip a space
   between them as I did here. I skipped spaces between
   them here to keep the program from thinking I am
   starting a problem and giving an error message.
   These are open braces, not open parentheses. 
   The shifted key immediately to the right of the P key 
   on your keyboard gives open braces.
2. On the same line immediately after that type sqrt(176)
   That's parentheses, (shifted 9 and 0), not braces.
3. On the same line immediately after that type }}}
   Those are close braces, the shifted key just after the
   key which when shifted gives the open braces.
4. When you post your problem it will appear this way:
 
Edwin