Evaluate each expression or indicate that the root is not a real number.
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- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Rationalize Denominator
Problem 152
Textbook Question
Rationalize each denominator. Assume all variables represent nonnegative numbers and that no denominators are 0. (1 + √3) / (3√5 + 2√3)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the expression to rationalize: \(\frac{1 + \sqrt{3}}{3\sqrt{5} + 2\sqrt{3}}\).
To rationalize the denominator, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. The conjugate of \(3\sqrt{5} + 2\sqrt{3}\) is \(3\sqrt{5} - 2\sqrt{3}\).
Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate: \(\frac{(1 + \sqrt{3})(3\sqrt{5} - 2\sqrt{3})}{(3\sqrt{5} + 2\sqrt{3})(3\sqrt{5} - 2\sqrt{3})}\).
Use the difference of squares formula for the denominator: \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\), where \(a = 3\sqrt{5}\) and \(b = 2\sqrt{3}\). Calculate \(a^2\) and \(b^2\) separately.
Expand the numerator by distributing each term in \((1 + \sqrt{3})\) with each term in \((3\sqrt{5} - 2\sqrt{3})\), then simplify the expression.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rationalizing the Denominator
Rationalizing the denominator involves eliminating any radicals (square roots) from the denominator of a fraction. This is done by multiplying the numerator and denominator by a suitable expression that will remove the radical, often the conjugate when dealing with binomials.
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Rationalizing Denominators
Conjugates of Binomials
The conjugate of a binomial expression a + b is a - b. Multiplying a binomial by its conjugate results in a difference of squares, which eliminates the square roots. This technique is essential for simplifying expressions with radicals in the denominator.
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Complex Conjugates
Properties of Square Roots and Nonnegative Variables
Square roots represent nonnegative values, and when variables are nonnegative, it simplifies handling radicals. Understanding that √a * √b = √(ab) and that variables under radicals are nonnegative helps avoid extraneous solutions and ensures correct simplification.
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Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property
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