SOLUTION: Hello, please help. I tried to simplify the following equation and was unsuccessful. a sqrt 8 -3sqrt 2a^2. I'm thinking that it can not be simplified.

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: Hello, please help. I tried to simplify the following equation and was unsuccessful. a sqrt 8 -3sqrt 2a^2. I'm thinking that it can not be simplified.      Log On


   

Question 56104: Hello, please help. I tried to simplify the following equation and was unsuccessful.
a sqrt 8 -3sqrt 2a^2.
I'm thinking that it can not be simplified.
Answer by tutorcecilia(2152) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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(sqrt8)^2=(3sqrt(2a^2)^2
8=9(2a^2)
8=18a^2
8/18=a^2
4/9=a^2
sqrt(4/9)=sqrt(a^2)
2/3=a
.
Check by plugging (x=2/3) back into the original equation