Math Problem Statement

√18a-√(1/2 a)

Solution

Let's simplify the expression:

18a12a\sqrt{18a} - \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}a}

Step 1: Simplify 18a\sqrt{18a}

We can break down 18a\sqrt{18a} as:

18a=92a=92a=32a\sqrt{18a} = \sqrt{9 \cdot 2 \cdot a} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{a} = 3\sqrt{2a}

Step 2: Simplify 12a\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}a}

Now simplify 12a\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}a}:

12a=a2=a2=a2=2a2\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}a} = \sqrt{\frac{a}{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{2a}}{2}

Step 3: Combine the results

Now, the expression becomes:

32a2a23\sqrt{2a} - \frac{\sqrt{2a}}{2}

We can factor out 2a\sqrt{2a}:

2a(312)=2a52\sqrt{2a} \left( 3 - \frac{1}{2} \right) = \sqrt{2a} \cdot \frac{5}{2}

So, the simplified expression is:

522a\frac{5}{2} \sqrt{2a}

Final Answer:

522a\boxed{\frac{5}{2} \sqrt{2a}}

Let me know if you need further clarification or have any other questions!


Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you simplify expressions involving square roots of variables?
  2. What are some tricks for simplifying square roots with fractions?
  3. How do you combine like terms under square roots?
  4. How do you rationalize the denominator when simplifying square roots?
  5. Can you simplify an expression like ab\sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b} if aba \neq b?

Tip: Always look for perfect squares within a square root and factor them out to simplify!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplification of Square Roots
Radicals

Formulas

√(ab) = √a * √b
√(a/b) = √a / √b

Theorems

Simplification of square roots
Combining like terms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11