How do you simplify #5[sqrt2] + 2[sqrt 2]#?

3 Answers
H Dev
Apr 16, 2016

#7 [sqrt{2}]#

Explanation:

Both 5 and 2 have [#sqrt2#] attached to it, so you can easily add them to get 7[#sqrt2#].

Tony B
Apr 16, 2016

#7sqrt(2)#

Explanation:

As there is only 1 thing inside each of the brackets and no operation is carried out on the bracket, apart from counting them, the brackets may as well not be there!

Compare to #5a+2a#. You are putting 2 of something with 5 of the same thing. So you end up with 7 of that something.

So #" "5sqrt(2)+2sqrt(2) = 7 sqrt(2)#

reudhreghs
Apr 16, 2016

#7sqrt2#

Explanation:

#5# somethings plus #2# somethings is #7# somethings, no matter what those somethings are, so

#5sqrt2+2sqrt2=7sqrt2#

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