SOLUTION: simplify by combining like terms x square root of 18-3 square root of 8x squared

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Question 83940: simplify by combining like terms
x square root of 18-3 square root of 8x squared

Answer by tutor_paul(519) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I assume this is the problem...
x%28sqrt%2818%29%29-3sqrt%288x%5E2%29
Start by pulling what you can out from under each square root sign. To see what can be pulled out, re-write as factors what is under each radical:
x%28sqrt%282%2A3%2A3%29%29-3sqrt%282%2A2%2A2%2Ax%2Ax%29
Since you know that in general, sqrt(x^2)=x, you can start simplifying what is under the radicals by "pulling out" the proper terms, like this:
3x%28sqrt%282%29%29-6x%28sqrt%282%29%29
notice in the first term, I was able to put a 3 outside the radical, since I had 3*3 underneath. Likewise in the second term, I was able to pull out a 2x.
Simplifying, you get the final answer:
highlight%28-3x%28sqrt%282%29%29%29
Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com