Algebra Period 4

ADDING AND SUBTRACTING RADICALS 11-6
Radicals function like variables, so you can only COMBINE LIKE RADICALS!
You cannot add √2 to √3!!!!
However, you may add 3√2 to 5√2 and get 8√2:
(3 + 5)√2 = 8√2

Make sure you simplify all radical expressions before trying to combine them!
Sometimes, it looks like they are not like radicands, but then after simplifying they are.

EXAMPLE #34 from p. 505:
√( x2y) + √( 4x2y) + √(9y) - √( y3)

Simplify each term first!!!!!!!!

x√y + 2x√y + 3√y - y√ y

NOW THEY ARE ALL LIKE TERMS BECAUSE ALL HAVE SQRT y!
(x + 2x + 3 - y)√y
(3x - y + 3)√y (final simplified answer)