Question

How do you simplify `sqrt20-sqrt5`?

Answer 1

`sqrt(5)`

Explanation:

Since 20 is divisible by 4, which is a perfect square, `sqrt(20)` which is the same as `sqrt((4*5))` can be written as 2`sqrt(5)` by taking the 4 out of the radical and square rooting it. Hence, we can now derive:

2`sqrt(5)` - `sqrt(5)` = `sqrt(5)`

Therefore, the answer is `sqrt(5)` which is approximately 2.236.

Answer 2

`sqrt5`

Explanation:

`sqrt20-sqrt5`

`=sqrt(4xx5)-sqrt5`

`=sqrt4sqrt5-sqrt5`

`=2sqrt5-sqrt5`

`=sqrt5`