Math Is Fun Forum

bossk171

Member

Registered: 2007-07-16

Posts: 305

Simplification of a Complicated Radical

I've been working on this for a few days now and I can't for the life of me make any progress on it. I feel like I'm missing something obvious.

The task at hand is to simplify the following:

The book that this comes from (and my calculator) say that the answer is 2.

Any help (hints, a fully worked out solution, anything...) would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

---

There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary, those who don't, and those who can use induction.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Simplification of a Complicated Radical

Hi bossk171;

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

bossk171

Member

Registered: 2007-07-16

Posts: 305

Re: Simplification of a Complicated Radical

Initially I thought this hint was unhelpful, but it turns out it was just what I needed. My solution:

This took some manipulation and creative thinking. I'm wondering: is there a method that yields the solution without requiring creativity?

---

There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary, those who don't, and those who can use induction.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Simplification of a Complicated Radical

Hi bossk171;

I wish I knew of one. If you find it let me know.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.