Can someone explain the steps to squaring a radical similar to the one below?

2√3

Also, if I were to square: 9x/3 , what steps would I take?

Thanks.

2. Originally Posted by smiffstarr
Can someone explain the steps to squaring a radical similar to the one below?

2√3

Also, if I were to square: 9x/3 , what steps would I take?

Thanks.
$(ab)^2 = a^2b^2$

$(2\sqrt3)^2 = 2^2 \cdot (\sqrt3)^2 = 12$

3. Originally Posted by smiffstarr
Can someone explain the steps to squaring a radical similar to the one below?

2√3

Also, if I were to square: 9x/3 , what steps would I take?

Thanks.
Hi smiffstarr,

Remember, when you square a square root, you simply remove the radical sign.

$(2\sqrt{3})^2=2^2(\sqrt{3})^2=4(3)=12$

When you square a fraction, you square both the numerator and denominator, then simplify.

$\left(\frac{9x}{3}\right)^2=\frac{(9x)^2}{(3)^2}=\ frac{81x^2}{9}=9x^2$

4. Originally Posted by smiffstarr
Can someone explain the steps to squaring a radical similar to the one below?

2√3

Also, if I were to square: 9x/3 , what steps would I take?

Thanks.
by this do you mean:
$

\left(2\sqrt{3}\right)^2
$

if so the rule is

$
\left(xy\right)^a = x^{a}y^{a}
$

so

$
\left(2\sqrt{3}\right)^2 = 2^{2}\left(\sqrt3\right)^{2} = 4(3) = 12
$

5. Thanks a lot! That helped me out!