What is the simplified form of \(\sqrt{48}+\sqrt{12}\)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 6\sqrt{3}
\(\sqrt{48}=\sqrt{16\times3}=4\sqrt{3}\) and \(\sqrt{12}=\sqrt{4\times3}=2\sqrt{3}\). Adding like terms gives \(4\sqrt{3}+2\sqrt{3}=6\sqrt{3}\). The distractor \(2\sqrt{15}\) comes from wrongly treating the sum as \(\sqrt{48+12}=\sqrt{60}=2\sqrt{15}\); you cannot combine square roots across addition that way. Exam tip: simplify each radical into simplest surd form first, then add or subtract only like surds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
6\sqrt{3}
Why is this the correct answer?
\(\sqrt{48}=\sqrt{16\times3}=4\sqrt{3}\) and \(\sqrt{12}=\sqrt{4\times3}=2\sqrt{3}\). Adding like terms gives \(4\sqrt{3}+2\sqrt{3}=6\sqrt{3}\). The distractor \(2\sqrt{15}\) comes from wrongly treating the sum as \(\sqrt{48+12}=\sqrt{60}=2\sqrt{15}\); you cannot combine square roots across addition that way. Exam tip: simplify each radical into simplest surd form first, then add or subtract only like surds.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Polynomials. Topic: Irrational numbers and real numbers.
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