Example

Simplifying 48a73a\frac{\sqrt{48a^7}}{\sqrt{3a}}, 98z52z\frac{\sqrt{98z^5}}{\sqrt{2z}}, and 128m92m\frac{\sqrt{128m^9}}{\sqrt{2m}}

Simplify quotients of square roots containing variables by applying the Quotient Property of Square Roots in reverse to combine them under a single radical, then simplifying the resulting fraction.

48a73a\frac{\sqrt{48a^7}}{\sqrt{3a}}: The denominator cannot be simplified. Use the Quotient Property to write as one radical: 48a73a\sqrt{\frac{48a^7}{3a}} Simplify the fraction inside the radical: 16a6\sqrt{16a^6} Simplify the resulting perfect square: 4a34|a^3|

98z52z\frac{\sqrt{98z^5}}{\sqrt{2z}}: Combine under one radical: 98z52z\sqrt{\frac{98z^5}{2z}} Simplify the fraction: 49z4\sqrt{49z^4} Simplify the perfect square: 7z27z^2

128m92m\frac{\sqrt{128m^9}}{\sqrt{2m}}: Combine under one radical: 128m92m\sqrt{\frac{128m^9}{2m}} Simplify the fraction: 64m8\sqrt{64m^8} Simplify the perfect square: 8m48m^4

In each case, combining the non-perfect square roots reveals common factors that reduce to a perfect square fraction.

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Updated 2026-05-01

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Ch.8 Roots and Radicals - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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