Add or subtract the radical expressions as indicated, if possible. $5 \sqrt { 3 a } - \sqrt { 27 a } - \sqrt { 48 a }$
A) $- 2 \sqrt { 3 a }$
B) $5 \sqrt { 3 a } - 7 \sqrt { a }$
C) $- 20 \sqrt { 3 a }$
D) Cannot be simplified further

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expression can be simplified by factoring the radicands (the numbers under the radical) where possible and combining like terms. $\sqrt{27a} = 3\sqrt{3a}$ and $\sqrt{48a} = 4\sqrt{3a}$. Thus, $5\sqrt{3a} - 3\sqrt{3a} - 4\sqrt{3a} = -2\sqrt{3a}$.

Add or Subtract the Radical Expressions as Indicated, If Possible 53a−27a−48a5 \sqrt { 3 a } - \sqrt { 27 a } - \sqrt { 48 a }53a​−27a​−48a​

Add or Subtract the Radical Expressions as Indicated, If Possible $5 \sqrt { 3 a } - \sqrt { 27 a } - \sqrt { 48 a }$