Simplify
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Nested radicals always trip me up. Do you start from the innermost root and work outward?
Yeah, that's what I did. The tricky part is getting the exponents right when you convert each root.
Same here, I always lose track of which exponent goes where.
I converted everything to fractional exponents and it made way more sense. The innermost sqrt(x) is x^(1/2), then keep multiplying as you go out.
Exactly, that's the cleanest way. Just add the exponents carefully!
Wait, option E has 81 and 80 in it, that seems like a trap for people who over-multiply somewhere. This one is tricky for a 605-655.
For sure, I initially got something totally different before I slowed down.
Got it right but took me longer than it should have. Thanks for the clear setup!
What it tests
Your handling of square and higher roots, including simplifying radicals.
Common trap
Forgetting the ± when taking a square root to solve an equation, or assuming √(a²) = a.