Question 371 of 480
What is the simplified form of the expression \( \frac{3\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{2}} \)?
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
To simplify the expression \( \frac{3\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{2}} \), we will follow a step-by-step approach.
### Step 1: Simplify the square roots
First, we need to simplify \( \sqrt{8} \). We can express \( 8 \) as \( 4 \times 2 \):
\[
\sqrt{8} = \sqrt{4 \times 2} = \sqrt{4} \times \sqrt{2} = 2\sqrt{2}
\]
### Step 2: Substitute back into the expression
Now, we can substitute \( \sqrt{8} \) back into the original expression:
\[
\frac{3\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{3 \times 2\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}
\]
### Step 3: Simplify the fraction
Next, we can simplify the fraction. The \( \sqrt{2} \) in the numerator and the denominator can be canceled out:
\[
\frac{3 \times 2\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = 3 \times 2 = 6
\]
### Final Answer
Thus, the simplified form of the expression \( \frac{3\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{2}} \) is:
\[
\boxed{6}
\]
### Explanation of Other Options
- **Option A**: [blank] - This option does not provide any value, so it cannot be correct.
- **Option C**: [blank] - Similar to Option A, this option is also blank and cannot be correct.
- **Option D**: \( 3\sqrt{4} \) - While \( \sqrt{4} = 2 \), thus \( 3\sqrt{4} = 3 \times 2 = 6 \), this option is not in its simplest form compared to the direct answer of \( 6 \). Therefore, while it is mathematically equivalent, it is not the simplest representation.
### Summary of Key Points
- To simplify square roots, factor them into perfect squares when possible.
- Always simplify fractions by canceling common terms in the numerator and denominator.
- The final answer for \( \frac{3\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{2}} \) is \( 6 \).
- Be cautious of options that may seem equivalent but are not in their simplest form.
This thorough approach ensures a clear understanding of how to simplify expressions involving square roots and fractions.