College Algebra / Unit 1 Alg 046 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Split-Sum Error
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The idea
The split-sum error distributes a radical over addition; roots split over products only, and √(a + b) is not √a + √b.
In practice
√(9 + 16) is √25 = 5, while √9 + √16 is 3 + 4 = 7. The split changes the answer.
Where people slip
The same trap waits inside √(a² + b²).
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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