Perfect Square Rule (1) In order to continue the development of quadratic equations we must pause a bit to review basic

square roots. We define the (principal) square root of a non-negative number as follows. For p 0, The symbol

p = q where q 0 and q 2 = p . p is only

is called a radical, and whatever is inside of it is called the radicand. Notice that

defined if p is non-negative, and the value of

p is also always non-negative. For example, even though

32 = 9 and ( 3)2 = 9 , the definition of square root forces

9 to be 3 . To generate 3 we would have to use

9 . Also, note that

0 = 0 and 1 = 1 .

(2) We have the following rules which help us simplify square roots.

If a , b 0, then ab = a b. If a 0 and b > 0, then a a = . b b

For example: (a) 8 = 4 2 = 4 2 = 2 2

(b) 450 = 9 50 = 9 25 2 = 9 25 2 = 3 5 2 = 15 2 33 33 33 = = 4 2 4 We always simplify square roots if possible. (c)

THERE IS

NO RULE FOR SEPARATING THE SQUARE ROOT OF A SUM

A+ B

A+ B

To convince yourself of this, consider 25 which equals 5 . But, if we write 25 as 16 + 9, then there is a temptation to write 5 = 25 = 16 + 9 = 16 + 9 = 4 + 3 = 7 !!!!!!!!

This equality is wrong. The square root of a sum is NOT the sum of the square roots. (3) Square roots come up very naturally in solving some types of quadratic equations. One reason is the following. Perfect Square Rule:

If q 2 = p, then q = p .
Recall the symbol A is mathematical shorthand for + A or A . So if q 2 = p , then q = p or q = p . We use this to solve quadratic equations of the type square of a variable thing equals a number. For example:

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(a) ( x + 2)2 16 = 0 ( x + 2)2 = 16 x + 2 = 16 = 4 x = 2 4

isolate the square use Perfect Square Rule subtract 2 from each side expand and then simplify

x = 2 + 4 or 2 4 x = 2 or 6 ------------------------------------------------(b) 3( x 3)2 15 = 0 isolate the square 3( x 3)2 = 15 ( x 3)2 = 5 x3= 5 x=3 5 In example (a) we wouldnt leave our answer as x = 2 4 . It is basic arithmetic to find the exact values of x which we did. On the other hand, if a simplified radical appears, then it is OK to leave the in the answer as was done in example (b). It is, however, legal to separate the two answers and write x = 3 + 5 or x = 3 5 , and there are future situations when you will do this. But for now, there is no need to take the extra time to do so. use Perfect Square Rule add 3 to each side

Square roots you must know: 0 =0 1 =1

4=2 36 = 6 100 = 10 196 = 14

9=3 49 = 7 121 = 11 225 = 15

16 = 4 64 = 8 144 = 12

25 = 5 81 = 9 169 = 13