« Simplifying Radical Expressions

Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions »

The steps in adding and subtracting Radical are:

Step 1. Simplify radicals. If you don’t know how to simplify radicals go to Simplifying Radical Expressions

Step 2. Combine like radicals.

Example 1: Add or subtract to simplify radical expression:

Solution:

Step 1: Simplify radicals

Step 2: Combine like radicals

Example 2: Add or subtract to simplify radical expression:

Solution:

Step 1: Simplify radicals

Step 2: Combine like radicals

Exercise 1: Add or subtract to simplify

Example 3: Add or subtract to simplify radical expression:

Solution:

Here the radicands differ and are already simplified, so this expression cannot be simplified.

Adding and Subtracting Radicals with Fractions

Example 4: Add or subtract to simplify radical expression:

Solution:

Step 1: Simplify radicals

Step 2: Combine like radicals

Example 5: Add or subtract to simplify radical expression:

Solution:

Step 1: Simplify radicals

Step 2: Combine like radicals

Exercise 2: Add or subtract to simplify radical expression