How do you simplify the square root of 180 and how do you know that it is in the simplest form
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To simplify the square root of 180, follow these steps:
- Prime Factorization of 180:
First, break down 180 into its prime factors. Start by dividing 180 by the smallest prime number, which is 2: 180÷2=90⇒180=2×90180 \div 2 = 90 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 180 = 2 \times 90180÷2=90⇒180=2×90 Next, divide 90 by 2 again: 90÷2=45⇒180=2×2×4590 \div 2 = 45 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 180 = 2 \times 2 \times 4590÷2=45⇒180=2×2×45 Now, divide 45 by 3, the next smallest prime number: 45÷3=15⇒180=2×2×3×1545 \div 3 = 15 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 180 = 2 \times 2 \times 3 \times 1545÷3=15⇒180=2×2×3×15 Divide 15 by 3: 15÷3=5⇒180=2×2×3×3×515 \div 3 = 5 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 180 = 2 \times 2 \times 3 \times 3 \times 515÷3=5⇒180=2×2×3×3×5 So, the prime factorization of 180 is: 180=22×32×5180 = 2^2 \times 3^2 \times 5180=22×32×5 - Simplifying the Square Root:
When simplifying a square root, look for pairs of identical factors. If there is a pair, take one factor out of the square root. From the prime factorization 180=22×32×5180 = 2^2 \times 3^2 \times 5180=22×32×5, we have:- A pair of 2’s (222^222)
- A pair of 3’s (323^232)
- Verifying the Simplest Form:
A square root is in its simplest form when no perfect square factors other than 1 are left inside the radical. In this case, 5 is not a perfect square, and there are no further simplifications. Therefore, the square root of 180 in its simplest form is 656\sqrt{5}65.
Thus, the square root of 180 simplifies to 656\sqrt{5}65, and it is in its simplest form because no further simplifications are possible.
