document.write( "Question 469802: How do I add or subtract irrational numbers?
\n" ); document.write( "e.g $\"+19sqrt%282%29-6sqrt%282%29+\"$
\n" ); document.write( "I have been told it is the same as rational numbers but do not understand this \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #322279 by kingme18(98) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
As long as the irrational number is EXACTLY the same, it's like with variables: 19x-6x=13x. If you have 19 \"square root of 2\"s, and you subtract 6 \"square root of 2\"s, you still have 13 \"square root of 2\"s: $\"+19sqrt%282%29-6sqrt%282%29=13sqrt%282%29+\"$ \r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "If it wasn't the same irrational number, like $\"+19sqrt%282%29-6sqrt%283%29+\"$ , then they're not like terms. That would be like 19x-6y, which you can't combine. However, some radicals can be simplified so that the irrational numbers DO match. It doesn't sound like you're at that point just yet, so I won't go into detail. Just remember: adding and subtracting radicals (irrational numbers) is just like adding and subtracting variables: you can combine them if they're like terms. \n" ); document.write( "

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