Simplest Mode Sqrt expression

Try first taking the square roots of each number and then putting those answers back into the expression.

Like sqrt(9)+sqrt(25)-sqrt(4).
The square root of 9 is 3, the sqrt of 25 is 5, and the sqrt of 4 is 2.
Then put them back into the problem to get:
3+5-4
The answer to that^ is 4.

Now try that with your problem. Hope it helps! ^_^

Thanks Special,

The question is a little harder than that

If you want to simplify something like

sqrt(500)
you have to look for a square number that goes into 500
Square numbers are 1,4,9,16,25,36,.......(but 1 in not helpful)
Now 25 is a square number and it is a factor of 500 so you could use that one.

sqrt(500) = sqrt(25x20) = sqrt(25) x sqrt(20) = 5 x sqrt(20)
but 4 is a square number and it is a factor of 20 so it's not fully simplified yet.
5 x sqrt(20) = 5 x sqrt(4 x 5) = 5 x sqrt(4) x sqrt(5) = 5 x 2 x sqrt(5) = 10sqrt(5)

or you could of done it quicker because 100 is a square number and it is a factor of 500
so
sqrt(500) = sqrt(100x5) = sqrt(100) x sqrt(5) = 10sqrt(5)

Now, if you have an expression where there is a number under a square root and you can't simplify it to get rid of the square root then it is called a SURD.
For example
These are all surds: sqrt(5), 8sqrt(13), -6sqrt(200)
whereas
these are not surds 8, -3, sqrt(25)
now
you can only add or subract surds if the number under the square root is the same. It is rather like the 'like terms' of algebra.

Now you have a go at your question.

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A note for Special,
If sqrt(4) is a part of an original question, then by convention, the answer is only +2
If you put the square root in as a part of your working then the answer is + or - 2.

Sorry, I didn't think that through before I answered.

Melody, could you elaborate on your note? Does it mean if the square root is in an equation then you have to use both +and - roots? And if it's just by itself, it's +?

Firstly, you don't need to appologise for your answer.
secondly I am not sure what you mean but I will try to explain what I mean.
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Q1) what is the sqrt(49)
Well the answer is +7 because the sqrt is a part of the question so only the positive answer counts.
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whereas if the question is
Q2) y^2 = 49 find y
then you have to put the square root in to answer it so the answer must be
y=+ or - 7
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does that make sense?

Okay, yeah, that makes sense. That's what I figured. ^_^ thank you!