I know where we use square roots and how to use them, I just do not see a use for simplifying them. Is there a real world need?
Not an application for the problem, why simplify the problem... As in why change √27a = 3 √3a instead of just using √27a..
?
In more extensive math problems in school simplifying any "complex" answer may reveal another step to further simplify the problem/equation/expression ... as in if the next step is to divide by 3.
JuanB
The reason is still similar. If you take the time to simplify the expression you simplify the calculations you make in solving the problem.
What you are doing now is just practice of that first step. So probably the only reason you are doing it now, is to be able to do it when it is given to you in a problem.
David
Yes as for example when using Pythagoras' theorem for finding the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle given the lengths of its two sides i.e. a^2 + b^2 = c^2