1. **State the problem:** Simplify the radical expression $\sqrt{96}$. 2. **Recall the formula and rules:** To simplify a square root, find the prime factorization of the number and look for perfect squares. Use the property: $$\sqrt{a \times b} = \sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b}$$ 3. **Prime factorization of 96:** $$96 = 2 \times 48 = 2 \times 2 \times 24 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 12 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 6 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 3$$ So, $$96 = 2^5 \times 3$$ 4. **Group the factors into perfect squares:** $$2^5 = 2^4 \times 2 = (2^2)^2 \times 2 = 4^2 \times 2$$ So, $$96 = 4^2 \times 2 \times 3 = 4^2 \times 6$$ 5. **Apply the square root property:** $$\sqrt{96} = \sqrt{4^2 \times 6} = \sqrt{4^2} \times \sqrt{6}$$ 6. **Simplify:** $$\sqrt{4^2} = 4$$ So, $$\sqrt{96} = 4 \times \sqrt{6} = 4\sqrt{6}$$ **Final answer:** $$\boxed{4\sqrt{6}}$$