An expression is considered simplified only if there is no radical sign in the denominator. If we do have a radical sign, we have to rationalize the denominator . This is achieved by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the radical in the denominator.

When simplifying radical expressions when do you use absolute value?

Since any even-numbered root must be a positive number (otherwise it is imaginary), absolute value must be used when simplifying roots with variables, which ensures the answer is positive. When working with radical expressions this requirement does not apply to any odd root because odd roots exist for negative numbers.

What are the rules for absolute value?

Definitions: The absolute value (or modulus) | x | of a real number x is the non-negative value of x without regard to its sign. For example, the absolute value of 5 is 5, and the absolute value of −5 is also 5. The absolute value of a number may be thought of as its distance from zero along real number line.