A radical is a mathematical symbol used to indicate the square root or other roots of a number. Here's a brief breakdown of radicals:

1. Square Root (√): The most common type of radical. The square root of a number $n$ is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives $n$. $\sqrt{n} = x \quad \text{if} \quad x^2 = n$

2. Cube Root (³√): This symbol represents the cube root of a number $n$, meaning the value that, when multiplied by itself three times, equals $n$. $\sqrt[3]{n} = x \quad \text{if} \quad x^3 = n$

3. Higher Roots (n√): For any higher roots, the general form is $\sqrt[n]{a}$, meaning the number that when raised to the power of $n$, equals $a$. $\sqrt[n]{a} = x \quad \text{if} \quad x^n = a$

4. Simplifying Radicals: To simplify a radical, find the largest perfect square (or cube, for cube roots) factor of the number and simplify accordingly. $\sqrt{50} = \sqrt{25 \times 2} = 5\sqrt{2}$

5. Operations with Radicals:

   • Addition/Subtraction: You can add or subtract radicals only if the radicand (the number inside the radical) is the same. $\sqrt{3} + 2\sqrt{3} = 3\sqrt{3}$
   • Multiplication: Radicals can be multiplied directly. $\sqrt{2} \times \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{6}$

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Would you like further clarification on any specific property of radicals?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. How do you rationalize a denominator with radicals?
2. What are the steps to simplify radical expressions with variables?
3. How do you add and subtract radicals with different radicands?
4. Can you explain how to solve equations involving square roots?
5. What are some applications of radicals in geometry?

Tip: When simplifying radicals, always look for the largest perfect square factor to make the process easier!