Example

Simplifying 3y+4y3\sqrt{y} + 4\sqrt{y}

Simplify the expression 3y+4y3\sqrt{y} + 4\sqrt{y}, which involves adding two like square roots whose radicand is a variable.

Both terms contain y\sqrt{y}, so the radicals are like. Add the coefficients while keeping the radical part unchanged: 3+4=73 + 4 = 7.

3y+4y=7y3\sqrt{y} + 4\sqrt{y} = 7\sqrt{y}

This example shows that the procedure for combining like square roots works identically whether the radicand is a number or a variable. As long as the expressions under the radical signs match, the coefficients are simply added together.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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