Simplify:
- AOption (a)
7√2
- BOption (b)
6√2
- COption (c)
5√2
- DOption (d)
8√2
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
8√2
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Convert each surd into its simplest form by extracting perfect square factors.
√98 = 7√2 | √32 = 4√2 | √50 = 5√2
Expression = 7√2 − 4√2 + 5√2 = 8√2
∴ The correct answer is 8√2.
Alternate Method
Given:
The expression to simplify is √98 − √32 + √50
Method Used:
Prime factorisation method to simplify the square roots.
Calculations:
⇒ √98 = √(2 × 49) = √(2 × 7 × 7) = 7√2
⇒ √32 = √(2 × 16) = √(2 × 4 × 4) = 4√2
⇒ √50 = √(2 × 25) = √(2 × 5 × 5) = 5√2
Substituting these simplified values into the original expression:
⇒ 7√2 − 4√2 + 5√2
⇒ (7 − 4 + 5)√2
⇒ (3 + 5)√2
⇒ 8√2
∴ The correct answer is 8√2.
Additional Information
Properties of Surds
For any positive numbers a and b, √(a × b) = √a × √b. This property allows us to separate perfect squares from non-perfect squares under the root.
Addition and Subtraction of Surds
Only like surds (surds having the exact same number under the root) can be added or subtracted directly. For example, x√a + y√a = (x + y)√a.
BODMAS Rule
Always follow the order of operations. Roots (Orders) are simplified first, followed by addition and subtraction from left to right as they have the same priority level.