This Lesson (Basic Algebra Simplifying Square Roots (Radicals)* (YouTube of Dr. Rapalje)) was created by by rapaljer(4671)  : View Source, ShowAbout rapaljer: Retired Professor of Mathematics from Seminole State College of Florida after 36 years.
This video is a first-level explanation of simplifying square roots from one of my Basic Algebra classes (circa 1994). This video will be helpful to any students learning algebra for the first time.
Before you begin this section, make sure that you KNOW (memorize by heart!) the PERFECT SQUARES:
These are the critical numbers to KNOW and recognize: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 144, 169
Unfortunately, in this era of teaching the calculators of today were not available, nor was I aware of the wonderful ability to check your answers with a calculator.
For example, you will learn that can be simplified to .
You can use a calculator to calculate the decimal approximation of both of these expressions. In this case, you should get 7.0710678. If the values do NOT agree, you have an error to find--BEFORE you turn your test or homework in!!
For explanations, examples, and exercises for ALL topics from Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra, and
Practice Tests for ALL levels of math from Pre-Algebra to Calculus III and Differential Equations with DETAILED SOLUTIONS, please see my website at www.mathinlivingcolor.com!!
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