WAEC Mathematics 2007 Question 5

Question 5

Surds

Simplify 3√45 − 12√5 + 16√20, leaving your answer in surd form.

  1. A.29√5
  2. B.14√15
  3. C.12√15
  4. D.11√5
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (29√5)

Explanation

3√45 = 9√5 and 16√20 = 32√5, so 9√5 − 12√5 + 32√5 = 29√5.