reducing a radical

**icelated** · June 17th 2012, 03:48 PM

Can this radical be reduced?

$\sqrt{t^4 + 2t^2 + 1}$

if so, how?

Thank you

**Reckoner** · June 17th 2012, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by icelated

Can this radical be reduced?

$\sqrt{t^4 + 2t^2 + 1}$

if so, how?

Yes. Factor the radicand as a perfect square.

**Plato** · June 17th 2012, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by icelated

Can this radical be reduced?

$\sqrt{t^4 + 2t^2 + 1}$

$\sqrt{t^4 + 2t^2 + 1}=\sqrt{(t^2+1)^2}=|(t^2+1)|=(t^2+1)$

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