SOLUTION: Why is it important to simplify radical expressions before adding or subtracting? How is adding radical expressions similar to adding polynomial expressions? How is it different?

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Question 390866: Why is it important to simplify radical expressions before adding or subtracting? How is adding radical expressions similar to adding polynomial expressions? How is it different? Provide expressions for others to simplify.
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Try adding sqrt%2875%29+%2B+sqrt%2848%29 without using a calculator, and you'll see why it's sometimes important to simplify or rewrite the expressions first.

Then add 5x%5E10+%2B+4x%5E10 and you'll see how it's similar and different from adding like terms of a polynomial.