1. The problem is to simplify the surd expression or understand what a surd is. 2. A surd is an irrational root that cannot be simplified to remove the root, such as $\sqrt{2}$ or $\sqrt{3}$. 3. To simplify surds, look for perfect square factors inside the root. For example, $\sqrt{50}$ can be simplified because 50 = 25 \times 2. 4. Using the property $\sqrt{a \times b} = \sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b}$, we write: $$\sqrt{50} = \sqrt{25 \times 2} = \sqrt{25} \times \sqrt{2} = 5\sqrt{2}$$ 5. This is the simplified form of the surd. 6. If the surd cannot be simplified further (no perfect square factors), it remains as is. Final answer: $5\sqrt{2}$ if the surd was $\sqrt{50}$ or the surd itself if no simplification is possible.