In Exercises 1–20, use the product rule to multiply. __ ___ √5x ⋅ √11y

Key Concepts

Product Rule

The product rule is a fundamental property of multiplication that states when multiplying two square roots, the product can be expressed as the square root of the product of the two numbers. For example, √a ⋅ √b = √(a*b). This rule simplifies calculations involving square roots and is essential for solving problems that require multiplying radical expressions.

Square Roots

A square root of a number x is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives x. Square roots are denoted by the radical symbol (√). Understanding how to manipulate square roots, including simplifying them and applying the product rule, is crucial in algebra, especially when dealing with expressions involving variables and constants.

Simplifying Radical Expressions

Simplifying radical expressions involves reducing them to their simplest form, which often includes factoring out perfect squares from under the radical. This process makes calculations easier and helps in further operations. For instance, √(a*b) can often be simplified to √a * √b, which is a key step in applying the product rule effectively.