Laws of Indices & Surds (AQA A-Level Mathematics): Flashcards

An irrational root of a rational number

Irrational numbers

A surd

Treat them like unknowns in algebra

$\sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{ab}$

$\sqrt{4} \times \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{12}$

$3\sqrt{5}$

Break into prime factors, extract integers, rebuild remainder

Write both bases as same number, then equate powers

Largest square factor