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How to Simplify a Square Root Using the Product Property

To simplify a square root that has perfect square factors in its radicand, follow a three-step procedure:

Step 1. Find the largest perfect square factor of the radicand. Rewrite the radicand as a product of that perfect square and the remaining factor, placing the perfect square factor first.

Step 2. Apply the Product Property to split the single radical into the product of two separate radicals — one containing the perfect square factor and the other containing the remaining factor.

Step 3. Simplify the radical that contains the perfect square by evaluating its square root, producing an integer multiplied by the remaining radical.

Always write the integer coefficient in front of the radical in the final answer. This procedure applies to both numerical radicands and radicands containing variables.

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Updated 2026-05-01

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