In Exercises 21–32, simplify by factoring. __ √27

Key Concepts

Factoring

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original expression. This is essential in simplifying algebraic expressions, as it can reveal common factors and make calculations easier. For example, factoring the expression x^2 - 9 results in (x - 3)(x + 3).

Square Roots

A square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In the context of simplifying expressions, understanding square roots is crucial, especially when dealing with perfect squares or simplifying radical expressions. For instance, √27 can be simplified to 3√3, as 27 is 9 times 3, and the square root of 9 is 3.

Radical Simplification

Radical simplification involves reducing a radical expression to its simplest form. This often includes factoring out perfect squares from under the radical sign and simplifying the expression accordingly. For example, simplifying √(a^2b) results in a√b, demonstrating how to extract factors from within a radical to achieve a more manageable expression.