Today’s ACT question of the day is a great math question about simplifying radicals. There are two approaches: a calculator approach, and a non-calculator approach.
The question: what integer approximates 
?
Tag Archives: radicals
ACT Question of the Day Explained – February 11, 2014 – Math, Simplification of Radicals
Today’s ACT question of the day is a math question about simplifying radicals. There’s a lot more practice with radicals where that came from!
All we have to do is simplify √20. Start thinking of the factors of 20…now. Continue reading
SAT Question of the Day Explained – January 31, 2014 – Algebra, Radicals
Today’s SAT question of the day is a math question that’s rated easy. Follow along with me to see if that’s true – and to avoid falling into a common trap.
For all test questions everywhere, we have to remember to answer what the question is asking. Today’s question asks us the following:
If √x = 16, √4x = ?? Continue reading
ACT Question of the Day Explained – January 26, 2014 – Geometry, Right Triangles
Today’s ACT question of the day is a repeat of the question we just saw on January 22 about applying the Pythagorean theorem and simplifying radical expressions.
Instead of going over it again, let’s take a moment to remember at least one Pythagorean triplet (3, 4, 5 – a great time save on test day if you know how to apply it).
And, for practice, simplifying another radical expression:
√108 = √(9 * 12 ) = (9 * 4 * 3) = 3√(4 * 3) = 6√3
Check:
6^2 = 36
36 * 3 = 108
ACT Question of the Day Explained – January 22, 2014 – Math, Right Triangles, Pythagorean Theorem
No wonder Pythagoras tried to hide in a cave – too much neon in this theorem
Today’s ACT question of the day is asking: do you know the Pythagorean theorem, and can you simplify a radical expression?
If you do and can, this is a 20-second question. If you don’t, you should the Pythagorean theorem now: a^2 + b^2 = c^2. That is, the square of the length of each side (or “leg”) of a right triangle is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse. This theorem makes an appearance dozens of times in various ways throughout your test, so keep it with you.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s apply it! Continue reading
SAT Question of the Day Explained – January 19, 2014 – Algebra
Today’s official SAT question of the day is a math question that involves two expressions that have been set equal to each other. This medium-difficulty question looks tougher than it is, as long as we are careful with our signs and do not jump to conclusions. Let’s jump in.
√(x – a) = √(x + b)
First thing: square both sides to get rid of the silly radicals. Now we are left with:
x – a = x + b