Find ? in equation: ?/\(\sqrt{128}\) = \(\sqrt{162}\)/?
Show Hint
Always try to simplify square roots by factoring out perfect squares before performing multiplication. This often makes the calculation much easier and reduces the chance of errors. For example, $\sqrt{128} = \sqrt{64 \times 2}$ rather than directly multiplying large numbers.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The problem asks to find the missing value (represented by '?') in a given algebraic equation involving square roots. Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Rearrange the equation to isolate the unknown.
2. Simplify square roots where possible ($ \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a}\sqrt{b} $).
3. Solve for the unknown. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given equation:
\[ \frac{?}{\sqrt{128}} = \frac{\sqrt{162}}{?} \]
Let the unknown value be \( x \).
\[ \frac{x}{\sqrt{128}} = \frac{\sqrt{162}}{x} \]
Cross-multiply:
\[ x^2 = \sqrt{128} \times \sqrt{162} \]
Simplify the square roots:
\[ \sqrt{128} = \sqrt{64 \times 2} = 8\sqrt{2} \]
\[ \sqrt{162} = \sqrt{81 \times 2} = 9\sqrt{2} \]
Substitute these simplified values back into the equation for \( x^2 \):
\[ x^2 = (8\sqrt{2}) \times (9\sqrt{2}) \]
\[ x^2 = 8 \times 9 \times \sqrt{2} \times \sqrt{2} \]
\[ x^2 = 72 \times 2 \]
\[ x^2 = 144 \]
Solve for \( x \):
\[ x = \sqrt{144} = 12 \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The missing value is 12.