Simplify: $12\sqrt{5} - 3\sqrt{5}$
Understand the Problem
The question asks us to simplify an expression involving square roots. We need to combine the terms $12\sqrt{5}$ and $-3\sqrt{5}$.
Answer
$9\sqrt{5}$
Answer for screen readers
$9\sqrt{5}$
Steps to Solve
- Identify the common radical term
Both terms have the same radical part, which is $\sqrt{5}$. This means we can combine these terms.
- Combine the coefficients
Subtract the coefficients of the radical terms: $12 - 3 = 9$.
- Write the simplified expression
Combine the result from step 2 with the common radical term: $9\sqrt{5}$.
$9\sqrt{5}$
More Information
The expression $12\sqrt{5} - 3\sqrt{5}$ simplifies to $9\sqrt{5}$.
Tips
A common mistake would be incorrectly subtracting the coefficients or forgetting to include the radical term in the final answer. Also, some might try to calculate the square root of 5, but the instructions ask to simplify and we leave that answer as is.
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