Reply To: What is best way to teach conceptual understanding of simplifying radicals?

[George Garza]

So going off of what Kyle said, you would start with simplifying fractions, something they already know and are confident it. So like 24/40. Then you take a little step and build on that so maybe 2sqrt4/5sqrt4, then build on that so like sqrt40/sqrt20. Finally throw something like 2/sqrt20 at them.

What I have here needs development obviously, but the principle is to start with what they know how to do and are confident with and over a few problems get them working on what you want them to learn. So by the time they see the practice skill. They are feeling like simplification pros and are willing to at least take a stab at simplifying radicals.