This exact quote from my standard American Algebra 1 textbook states when first introducing rational square roots:
$\sqrt{49} = 7$ is read "The positive square root of $49$ equals $7$."
$-\sqrt{49} = -7$ is read "The negative square root of $49$ equals $-7$."
In the next lesson, the expression $5\sqrt{3}$ is used in an example of simplification, but no instructions are given on how to "read" it?
I think these are some possible ways:
- $5\sqrt{3}$ is read "5 the positive square root of 3."
- "5 square root 3."
- "5 root 3."
Following the textbook's instructions from the previous lesson, the first way seems most appropriate; but the third way has the least words? Is there a "correct" way to read $5\sqrt3$ and are there any other possibilities?