Aimathic
Login | English | Deutsch

Algebra II math worksheets

Build your own math worksheets from 35,000+ problems for grades 3 to 12, from fractions to AP Calculus. Every problem comes with step-by-step solutions.

Rationalize denominators

Learning goals

  • Recognizes denominators that can be rationalized.
  • Uses an appropriate radical factor or conjugate.
  • Simplifies the resulting expression.
  • Checks equivalence and domain restrictions.

Click problems to add them to your worksheet.

Rationalize denominators 1
To rationalize the denominator of \(\frac{5}{\sqrt{6}}\), what radical factor should multiply both numerator and denominator?

Hints

- Choose a factor that turns the denominator into a perfect square under the radical. - The same factor must multiply numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. The denominator contains \(\sqrt{6}\). 2. Multiplying by another \(\sqrt{6}\) makes the denominator \(6\), which is rational.

Answer

\(\sqrt{6}\)
Rationalize denominators 2
What is the conjugate of \(3+\sqrt{5}\), the denominator in \(\frac{2}{3+\sqrt{5}}\)?

Hints

- Keep both terms unchanged. - Change only the operation between the terms.

Solution

1. A conjugate keeps the same two terms and changes the sign between them. 2. Therefore, the conjugate of \(3+\sqrt{5}\) is \(3-\sqrt{5}\).

Answer

\(3-\sqrt{5}\)
Rationalize denominators 3
To rationalize the denominator of \(\frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{12}}\), what cube-root factor should multiply both numerator and denominator?

Hints

- Factor the radicand into prime powers. - For a cube root, each exponent in the denominator radicand should become a multiple of \(3\).

Solution

1. Factor the radicand: \(12=2^2\cdot3\). 2. To make a perfect cube, one more factor of \(2\) and two more factors of \(3\) are needed. 3. The missing factor is \(2\cdot3^2=18\), so the needed radical factor is \(\sqrt[3]{18}\).

Answer

\(\sqrt[3]{18}\)
Rationalize denominators 4
Which expression has a radical in its denominator? a) \(\frac{3}{\sqrt{5}}\) b) \(\frac{3}{5}\) c) \(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}\)

Hints

- Focus on what is below the fraction bar, not what is above it. - Which of the denominators is not a rational number?

Solution

1. The denominator in a) is \(\sqrt{5}\), which is irrational. 2. The denominators in b) and c) are the rational numbers \(5\) and \(3\).

Answer

a) only.
Rationalize denominators 5
Calculate \((3+\sqrt{2})(3-\sqrt{2})\). Why is the result rational?

Hints

- What happens to the two middle terms when you expand these binomials? - How does squaring a square root affect the result?

Solution

1. Multiply using difference of squares: \((3+\sqrt{2})(3-\sqrt{2})=3^2-(\sqrt{2})^2\). 2. This equals \(9-2=7\), a whole number.

Answer

\(7\). The radical terms cancel in the conjugate product.
Rationalize denominators 6
To rationalize \(\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}\), you could multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}}\). Why must \(x>0\) for this step to be valid over the real numbers?

Hints

- When does the real square root of a number exist? - Can a denominator used in a factor of one be zero?

Solution

1. For a real denominator, \(x\ge0\) is needed. 2. At \(x=0\), the original denominator and the proposed multiplier's denominator are zero. 3. Thus \(x>0\) makes the multiplier a valid factor of \(1\).

Answer

At \(x=0\), the denominator is zero. Only \(x>0\) gives a real, nonzero \(\sqrt{x}\).
Rationalize denominators 7
To make \(2+\sqrt{3}\) into a rational product, should you multiply it by \(\sqrt{3}\) or by \(2-\sqrt{3}\)? Explain.

Hints

- Which choice makes a difference-of-squares product? - Think about whether any radical terms will remain after multiplying.

Solution

1. Multiplying by \(\sqrt{3}\) gives \(2\sqrt{3}+3\), which is irrational. 2. The conjugate gives \((2+\sqrt{3})(2-\sqrt{3})=4-3=1\), which is rational.

Answer

Multiply by \(2-\sqrt{3}\): \((2+\sqrt{3})(2-\sqrt{3})=1\). The other choice leaves \(2\sqrt{3}\) in the product.
Rationalize denominators 8
Rationalize the denominator and simplify: \(\frac{\sqrt{7}}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5}}\). State the rationalizing factor you multiply into the numerator and denominator.

Hints

- The denominator is a difference of two square roots. - Choose a factor that turns the denominator into a difference of squares. - Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same expression.

Solution

1. Use the conjugate \(\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5}\) as the rationalizing factor. 2. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5}}\). 3. The denominator becomes \((\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5})(\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5})=7-5=2\). 4. The numerator becomes \(\sqrt{7}(\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5})=7+\sqrt{35}\). 5. Therefore, the rationalized expression is \(\frac{7+\sqrt{35}}{2}\).

Answer

Rationalizing factor: \(\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5}\) \(\frac{\sqrt{7}}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5}}=\frac{7+\sqrt{35}}{2}\).
Rationalize denominators 9
Without using a calculator, compare \(A=\frac{12}{\sqrt{6}}\) and \(B=\frac{15}{\sqrt{5}}\). First rationalize each denominator and state the resulting exact forms. Then determine which value is greater and justify the comparison.

Hints

- Multiply each fraction by a form of \(1\) that removes the radical from its denominator. - Record the rationalized exact form of each quantity before comparing them. - Once both quantities are positive, a comparison of their squares preserves their order.

Solution

1. Rationalize \(A\): \(A=\frac{12\sqrt{6}}{6}=2\sqrt{6}\). 2. Rationalize \(B\): \(B=\frac{15\sqrt{5}}{5}=3\sqrt{5}\). 3. Both values are positive. Their squares are \(A^2=24\) and \(B^2=45\). 4. Since \(45>24\), \(B>A\).

Answer

\(A=2\sqrt{6}\) and \(B=3\sqrt{5}\). Therefore, \(B>A\).
Rationalize denominators 10
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. a) \(\frac{7}{\sqrt{7}}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2\sqrt{6}}\) c) \(\frac{4-\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\) d) \(\frac{15}{\sqrt{75}}\)

Hints

- Multiply by a radical that makes the denominator a perfect square. - Simplify radicals and common factors before or after rationalizing. - When the numerator has more than one term, multiply every term by the radical factor.

Solution

1. In a), \(\frac{7}{\sqrt{7}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{7}}{\sqrt{7}}=\frac{7\sqrt{7}}{7}=\sqrt{7}\). 2. In b), first simplify \(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2\sqrt{6}}=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\). Then rationalize: \(\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}\). 3. In c), \(\frac{4-\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{4\sqrt{2}-2}{2}=2\sqrt{2}-1\). 4. In d), \(\sqrt{75}=5\sqrt{3}\), so \(\frac{15}{\sqrt{75}}=\frac{3}{\sqrt{3}}=\sqrt{3}\).

Answer

a) \(\sqrt{7}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}\) c) \(2\sqrt{2}-1\) d) \(\sqrt{3}\)
Rationalize denominators 11
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. a) \(\frac{10}{\sqrt{20}}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{5}+2}{3\sqrt{5}}\)

Hints

- Simplify the radical in the denominator before rationalizing when possible. - Multiply the numerator and denominator by the denominator radical. - Distribute the radical across every term in the numerator. - Check for common factors after rationalizing.

Solution

1. In a), \(\frac{10}{\sqrt{20}}=\frac{10}{2\sqrt{5}}=\frac{5}{\sqrt{5}}=\sqrt{5}\). 2. In b), multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{5}}\): \(\frac{(\sqrt{5}+2)\sqrt{5}}{15}=\frac{5+2\sqrt{5}}{15}\).

Answer

a) \(\sqrt{5}\) b) \(\frac{5+2\sqrt{5}}{15}\)
Rationalize denominators 12
Rationalize the denominator of \(\frac{11}{4-\sqrt{5}}\). Write the result in the form \(a+\sqrt{b}\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are positive integers.

Hints

- Multiply by the conjugate of the denominator. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - Keep common factors visible before canceling.

Solution

1. Multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate \(4+\sqrt{5}\). 2. The denominator becomes \((4-\sqrt{5})(4+\sqrt{5})=16-5=11\). 3. Therefore, \(\frac{11}{4-\sqrt{5}}=\frac{11(4+\sqrt{5})}{11}=4+\sqrt{5}\).

Answer

\(4+\sqrt{5}\)
Rationalize denominators 13
Simplify each expression completely and rationalize any radical denominator. a) \(\frac{14}{\sqrt{7}}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{32}}{4}\) c) \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{20}}\) d) \(\frac{\sqrt{75}}{\sqrt{3}}\)

Hints

- Rationalize a denominator by multiplying by a suitable radical form of \(1\). - Extract perfect-square factors from radicals. - Use the quotient property when both numerator and denominator are square roots. - Simplify common factors at the end.

Solution

1. In a), \(\frac{14}{\sqrt{7}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{7}}{\sqrt{7}}=\frac{14\sqrt{7}}{7}=2\sqrt{7}\). 2. In b), \(\sqrt{32}=4\sqrt{2}\), so \(\frac{\sqrt{32}}{4}=\sqrt{2}\). 3. In c), \(\sqrt{20}=2\sqrt{5}\), so \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{20}}=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{5}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{5}}=\frac{\sqrt{5}}{10}\). 4. In d), \(\frac{\sqrt{75}}{\sqrt{3}}=\sqrt{\frac{75}{3}}=\sqrt{25}=5\).

Answer

a) \(2\sqrt{7}\) b) \(\sqrt{2}\) c) \(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{10}\) d) \(5\)
Rationalize denominators 14
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. Assume all variables are positive. a) \(\frac{12}{\sqrt{6}}\) b) \(\frac{5}{2\sqrt{10}}\) c) \(\frac{z^2}{\sqrt{z}}\) d) \(\frac{6k}{\sqrt{2k}}\)

Hints

- Multiply by a radical form of \(1\) that makes the denominator a square. - Multiply both the numerator and denominator by the same radical expression. - Simplify the product of a square root with itself. - Cancel common factors only after confirming they are nonzero.

Solution

1. In a), \(\frac{12}{\sqrt{6}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{6}}=2\sqrt{6}\). 2. In b), \(\frac{5}{2\sqrt{10}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{10}}{\sqrt{10}}=\frac{5\sqrt{10}}{20}=\frac{\sqrt{10}}{4}\). 3. In c), \(\frac{z^2}{\sqrt{z}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{z}}{\sqrt{z}}=\frac{z^2\sqrt{z}}{z}=z\sqrt{z}\). 4. In d), \(\frac{6k}{\sqrt{2k}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{2k}}{\sqrt{2k}}=\frac{6k\sqrt{2k}}{2k}=3\sqrt{2k}\).

Answer

a) \(2\sqrt{6}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{10}}{4}\) c) \(z\sqrt{z}\) d) \(3\sqrt{2k}\)
Rationalize denominators 15
Rationalize each denominator and simplify. 1) \(\frac{4}{\sqrt[3]{2}}\) 2) \(\frac{1}{\sqrt[4]{5}}\) 3) \(\frac{3}{\sqrt[5]{3^2}}\)

Hints

- Multiply by a radical that completes the denominator exponent to the radical index. - Use the product property for radicals with the same index. - Cancel any common numerical factor after rationalizing.

Solution

1. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{2^2}}{\sqrt[3]{2^2}}\): \(\frac{4\sqrt[3]{4}}{2}=2\sqrt[3]{4}\). 2. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt[4]{5^3}}{\sqrt[4]{5^3}}\): \(\frac{\sqrt[4]{125}}{5}\). 3. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt[5]{3^3}}{\sqrt[5]{3^3}}\): \(\frac{3\sqrt[5]{27}}{3}=\sqrt[5]{27}\).

Answer

1) \(2\sqrt[3]{4}\) 2) \(\frac{\sqrt[4]{125}}{5}\) 3) \(\sqrt[5]{27}\)
Rationalize denominators 16
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. a) \(\frac{10}{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{2}}\) b) \(\frac{x-25}{\sqrt{x}-5}\), for \(x\ge0\) and \(x\ne25\)

Hints

- Use the conjugate of a binomial radical denominator. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - In b), rewrite \(x\) as \((\sqrt{x})^2\) before factoring.

Solution

1. In a), multiply by the conjugate \(\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{2}\): \(\frac{10(\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{2})}{7-2}=2(\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{2})\). 2. In b), factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(x-25=(\sqrt{x}-5)(\sqrt{x}+5)\). 3. Since \(x\ne25\), the common factor \(\sqrt{x}-5\) is nonzero and can be canceled. The result is \(\sqrt{x}+5\).

Answer

a) \(2(\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{2})\) b) \(\sqrt{x}+5\)
Rationalize denominators 17
Rationalize each denominator and simplify. a) \(\frac{x}{\sqrt{x+1}-1}\), for \(x\ge-1\) and \(x\ne0\) b) \(\frac{a-16}{\sqrt{a}+4}\), for \(a\ge0\)

Hints

- Use the conjugate of a denominator containing a radical difference. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - In b), rewrite \(a\) as \((\sqrt{a})^2\). - Check that a factor is nonzero before canceling it.

Solution

1. In a), multiply by the conjugate \(\sqrt{x+1}+1\): \(\frac{x(\sqrt{x+1}+1)}{(x+1)-1}=\frac{x(\sqrt{x+1}+1)}{x}\). Since \(x\ne0\), canceling gives \(\sqrt{x+1}+1\). 2. In b), factor the numerator: \(a-16=(\sqrt{a}-4)(\sqrt{a}+4)\). Since \(\sqrt{a}+4>0\), canceling gives \(\sqrt{a}-4\).

Answer

a) \(\sqrt{x+1}+1\) b) \(\sqrt{a}-4\)
Rationalize denominators 18
Rationalize the denominator and simplify: \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y}}\), for \(x,y\ge0\) and \(x\ne y\).

Hints

- Use the conjugate of the denominator. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - Use the condition \(x\ne y\) to confirm that the new denominator is nonzero.

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate \(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}\). 2. The denominator becomes \((\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y})(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y})=x-y\). 3. Therefore, the rationalized form is \(\frac{\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}}{x-y}\).

Answer

\(\frac{\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}}{x-y}\)
Rationalize denominators 19
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. 1) \(\frac{6}{\sqrt{10}-\sqrt{7}}\) 2) \(\frac{2\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}}\)

Hints

- Use the conjugate of each binomial denominator. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same expression so the fraction’s value is unchanged. - Cancel numerical factors before expanding the numerator when possible.

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate \(\sqrt{10}+\sqrt{7}\): \(\frac{6(\sqrt{10}+\sqrt{7})}{10-7}=2\sqrt{10}+2\sqrt{7}\). 2. Multiply by \(\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}\): \(\frac{2\sqrt{5}(\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3})}{5-3}=5-\sqrt{15}\).

Answer

1) \(2\sqrt{10}+2\sqrt{7}\) 2) \(5-\sqrt{15}\)
Rationalize denominators 20
Rationalize the denominator and simplify completely: \(\frac{\sqrt{3}+2}{2\sqrt{3}-1}\)

Hints

- Multiply by the conjugate of the denominator. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity in the denominator. - Distribute carefully when multiplying the numerator binomials.

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate \(2\sqrt{3}+1\). 2. The denominator is \((2\sqrt{3})^2-1^2=12-1=11\). 3. The numerator is \((\sqrt{3}+2)(2\sqrt{3}+1)=8+5\sqrt{3}\). 4. Therefore, the result is \(\frac{8+5\sqrt{3}}{11}\).

Answer

\(\frac{8+5\sqrt{3}}{11}\)
Rationalize denominators 21
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. a) \(\frac{22}{4-\sqrt{5}}\) b) \(\frac{15}{2\sqrt{6}+3}\)

Hints

- Multiply each binomial denominator by its conjugate. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - Cancel the resulting rational denominator with the numerator factor when possible.

Solution

1. In a), multiply by \(4+\sqrt{5}\): \(\frac{22(4+\sqrt{5})}{16-5}=2(4+\sqrt{5})=8+2\sqrt{5}\). 2. In b), multiply by \(2\sqrt{6}-3\): \(\frac{15(2\sqrt{6}-3)}{24-9}=2\sqrt{6}-3\).

Answer

a) \(8+2\sqrt{5}\) b) \(2\sqrt{6}-3\)
Rationalize denominators 22
Show algebraically that the expression is an integer: \(\frac{6}{\sqrt{7}-1}-\sqrt{7}\)

Hints

- Rationalize the fraction using the conjugate of its denominator. - Simplify the rationalized fraction before subtracting \(\sqrt{7}\). - Identify the number set containing the final value.

Solution

1. Rationalize the denominator: \(\frac{6}{\sqrt{7}-1}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{7}+1}{\sqrt{7}+1}=\frac{6(\sqrt{7}+1)}{7-1}=\sqrt{7}+1\). 2. Therefore, \((\sqrt{7}+1)-\sqrt{7}=1\), which is an integer.

Answer

\(1\)
Rationalize denominators 23
Rationalize the denominator of \(\frac{5}{2\sqrt{3}}\) and simplify.

Hints

- Which factor would turn the radical in the denominator into a whole number? - Whatever factor you choose, multiply both numerator and denominator by it.

Solution

1. Multiply numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{3}\) to obtain \(\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{2(\sqrt{3})^2}\). 2. Since \((\sqrt{3})^2=3\), the result is \(\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6}\).

Answer

\(\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6}\)
Rationalize denominators 24
Rationalize the denominator of \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}}\) and simplify.

Hints

- What kind of two-term product removes the square roots from the denominator? - The numerator must be multiplied by the same nonzero expression as the denominator.

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate over itself to get \(\frac{\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}}{(\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3})(\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3})}\). 2. The denominator is \(5-3=2\), so the result is \(\frac{\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}}{2}\).

Answer

\(\frac{\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}}{2}\)
Rationalize denominators 25
For real \(x\), rationalize the denominator of \(\frac{x+2}{\sqrt{x+1}}\). State every allowed input and check your result at \(x=3\).

Hints

- Which inputs make the square root in the denominator real and nonzero? - What can you multiply the denominator by to remove its square root? - Use the same input in both forms to check the equality.

Solution

1. The radical in the denominator is real and nonzero when \(x+1>0\), or \(x>-1\). 2. Multiply numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{x+1}\): \(\frac{(x+2)\sqrt{x+1}}{x+1}\). 3. At \(x=3\), both the original expression and the rationalized one equal \(\frac{5}{2}\).

Answer

\(\frac{(x+2)\sqrt{x+1}}{x+1}\), with \(x>-1\); at \(x=3\), both forms give \(\frac{5}{2}\).
Rationalize denominators 26
Square 1 has side length \(a_1=\sqrt{18}\,\text{cm}\). Square 2 has area \(A_2\), which is twice the area \(A_1\) of square 1. 1. Find \(A_1\). 2. Find the side length \(a_2\) of square 2. 3. Starting from \(\frac{a_2}{a_1}=\frac{6}{\sqrt{18}}\), simplify the denominator, state the factor used to rationalize it, and give the final simplified ratio.

Hints

- Use area \(=(\text{side})^2\) for the first square. - Simplify \(\sqrt{18}\) before rationalizing the ratio. - For a denominator \(\sqrt{2}\), choose a factor that makes its product a rational number.

Solution

1. \(A_1=a_1^2=(\sqrt{18}\,\text{cm})^2=18\,\text{cm}^2\). 2. \(A_2=2A_1=36\,\text{cm}^2\), so \(a_2=\sqrt{36}\,\text{cm}=6\,\text{cm}\). 3. \(\frac{a_2}{a_1}=\frac{6}{\sqrt{18}}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}\). 4. Multiply numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{2}\): \(\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{2}=\sqrt{2}\).

Answer

1. \(A_1=18\,\text{cm}^2\) 2. \(a_2=6\,\text{cm}\) 3. The rationalizing factor is \(\sqrt{2}\), and \(\frac{a_2}{a_1}=\sqrt{2}\).
Rationalize denominators 27
A right triangle has one leg of length \(a=3\,\text{cm}\) and area \(A=\frac{6}{\sqrt{2}}\,\text{cm}^2\). Find the length of the other leg, \(b\). Rationalize the denominator, then use \(\sqrt{2}\approx1.41\) to give a decimal approximation.

Hints

- Use the area formula to solve for the unknown leg. - What can you multiply a radical denominator by to make it rational? - Use the given approximation only after simplifying the exact expression.

Solution

1. The area formula gives \(\frac{6}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{1}{2}\cdot3\cdot b\), so \(b=\frac{4}{\sqrt{2}}\,\text{cm}\). 2. Multiply the numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{2}\): \(b=2\sqrt{2}\,\text{cm}\). 3. The approximation is \(b\approx2.82\,\text{cm}\).

Answer

From \(\frac{3b}{2}=\frac{6}{\sqrt{2}}\), we get \(b=\frac{4}{\sqrt{2}}=2\sqrt{2}\,\text{cm}\approx2.82\,\text{cm}\).
Rationalize denominators 28
Let \(T=\frac{4}{\sqrt{11}-3}\). a) Rationalize the denominator using a conjugate. b) Use \(\sqrt{11}\approx3.317\) to approximate \(T\) to the nearest hundredth.

Hints

- Multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of \(\sqrt{11}-3\). - Use the difference-of-squares identity in the denominator. - Use the thousandths digit to round to the nearest hundredth.

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate: \(T=\frac{4}{\sqrt{11}-3}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{11}+3}{\sqrt{11}+3}\). 2. The denominator is \((\sqrt{11})^2-3^2=11-9=2\), so \(T=\frac{4(\sqrt{11}+3)}{2}=2(\sqrt{11}+3)\). 3. Using the given approximation, \(T\approx2(3.317+3)=12.634\), which rounds to \(12.63\).

Answer

a) \(2(\sqrt{11}+3)\) b) \(12.63\)
Rationalize denominators 29
Order the numbers from least to greatest without using a calculator: \(x=\frac{18}{\sqrt{3}},\quad y=10\sqrt{2},\quad z=\sqrt{192}\). Before ordering them, rationalize the denominator of \(x\) and simplify \(z\). State these exact forms and then justify the ordering.

Hints

- Remove the radical from the denominator of \(x\) before making any comparison. - Look for a perfect-square factor in \(192\). - For the remaining positive comparison, squaring preserves order.

Solution

1. Rationalize \(x\): \(x=\frac{18\sqrt{3}}{3}=6\sqrt{3}\). 2. Simplify \(z\): \(z=\sqrt{64\cdot3}=8\sqrt{3}\). 3. Thus, \(x<z\) because \(6\sqrt{3}<8\sqrt{3}\). 4. Compare \(z\) and \(y\), which are positive: \(z^2=192\) and \(y^2=200\), so \(z<y\). 5. Therefore, \(x<z<y\).

Answer

\(x=6\sqrt{3}\) and \(z=8\sqrt{3}\). The order is \(\frac{18}{\sqrt{3}}<\sqrt{192}<10\sqrt{2}\).
Rationalize denominators 30
Rationalize every irrational denominator before simplifying further. For each part, show the rationalizing factor you multiply by. a) \(\sqrt{12}-\frac{3}{\sqrt{3}}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{10}+\sqrt{20}}{\sqrt{5}}\) c) Show algebraically, by rationalizing the denominator, that \(\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}=\sqrt{2}\).

Hints

- Identify which denominator contains a radical in each part. - Choose a factor that makes that denominator rational when multiplied by itself. - After the denominator is rational, simplify any remaining radicals and combine like terms.

Solution

1. In a), rationalize \(\frac{3}{\sqrt{3}}\) by multiplying by \(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}\): \(\frac{3\sqrt{3}}{3}=\sqrt{3}\). Also, \(\sqrt{12}=2\sqrt{3}\). Therefore, the result is \(\sqrt{3}\). 2. In b), multiply numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{5}\): \(\frac{(\sqrt{10}+\sqrt{20})\sqrt{5}}{5}=\frac{\sqrt{50}+\sqrt{100}}{5}=\frac{5\sqrt{2}+10}{5}=\sqrt{2}+2\). 3. In c), multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\): \(\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{2}=\sqrt{2}\).

Answer

a) Rationalizing factor: \(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}\); result: \(\sqrt{3}\) b) Rationalizing factor: \(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{5}}\); result: \(2+\sqrt{2}\) c) Rationalizing factor: \(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\); \(\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}=\sqrt{2}\)
Rationalize denominators 31
Complete each task involving rationalizing denominators. a) Rationalize \(\frac{1}{2+\sqrt{3}}\) using a conjugate. b) Between which consecutive integers does \(\frac{12}{\sqrt{3}}\) lie? Rationalize first and explain. c) A rectangle has area \(10\,\text{cm}^2\) and width \(\sqrt{5}\,\text{cm}\). Find its length with a rational denominator.

Hints

- Which multiplier makes a binomial radical denominator rational? - Compare the squared value in part b) with neighboring perfect squares. - Use the rectangle area formula to find the missing side.

Solution

1. For a), multiplying by \(\frac{2-\sqrt{3}}{2-\sqrt{3}}\) gives \(2-\sqrt{3}\). 2. For b), \(\frac{12}{\sqrt{3}}=4\sqrt{3}=\sqrt{48}\), which is between \(6\) and \(7\). 3. For c), length is \(\frac{10}{\sqrt{5}}=2\sqrt{5}\,\text{cm}\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{2-\sqrt{3}}{(2+\sqrt{3})(2-\sqrt{3})}=2-\sqrt{3}\). b) \(\frac{12}{\sqrt{3}}=4\sqrt{3}=\sqrt{48}\), between \(6\) and \(7\). c) \(\frac{10}{\sqrt{5}}=\frac{10\sqrt{5}}{5}=2\sqrt{5}\,\text{cm}\).
Rationalize denominators 32
Find the exact value of \(T=\frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{\sqrt{3}+1}+\sqrt{3}\). Rationalize the denominator first, then simplify completely.

Hints

- Work on the fraction before combining it with the final radical term. - Which factor would remove the radical from the denominator? - Use a binomial product formula in both numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. Multiply the fraction by \(\frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{\sqrt{3}-1}\). 2. The numerator becomes \(4-2\sqrt{3}\), and the denominator becomes \(2\), so the fraction equals \(2-\sqrt{3}\). 3. Therefore, \(T=2\).

Answer

\(\frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{\sqrt{3}+1}=\frac{(\sqrt{3}-1)^2}{3-1}=2-\sqrt{3}\); adding \(\sqrt{3}\) gives \(T=2\).
Rationalize denominators 33
Find the exact value: \(\frac{4}{1-\sqrt{3}}+\sqrt{48}+2\sqrt{3}\)

Hints

- Rationalize the first denominator using its conjugate. - Use the difference-of-squares identity in the conjugate product. - Extract the largest perfect-square factor from \(48\). - Combine like radical terms after simplifying each part.

Solution

1. Rationalize the denominator: \(\frac{4}{1-\sqrt{3}}\cdot\frac{1+\sqrt{3}}{1+\sqrt{3}}=\frac{4(1+\sqrt{3})}{1-3}=-2-2\sqrt{3}\). 2. Simplify \(\sqrt{48}=4\sqrt{3}\). 3. Combine like radical terms: \((-2-2\sqrt{3})+4\sqrt{3}+2\sqrt{3}=-2+4\sqrt{3}\).

Answer

\(-2+4\sqrt{3}\)
Rationalize denominators 34
Let \(A=\sqrt{180}\) and \(B=\sqrt{3\frac{1}{5}}\). a) Simplify both expressions completely. Rationalize the denominator in \(B\). b) Determine whether the simplified radical terms are like radicals. Like radicals have the same radicand after complete simplification. c) Find \(\frac{A}{B}\).

Hints

- Factor a perfect square from each radicand. - Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction. - Multiply by a suitable radical to remove the radical from the denominator. - Simplify common factors in the quotient.

Solution

1. \(A=\sqrt{180}=\sqrt{36\cdot5}=6\sqrt{5}\). 2. Since \(3\frac{1}{5}=\frac{16}{5}\), \(B=\sqrt{\frac{16}{5}}=\frac{4}{\sqrt{5}}=\frac{4\sqrt{5}}{5}\). 3. Both simplified expressions are rational multiples of \(\sqrt{5}\), so they are like radicals. 4. \(\frac{A}{B}=\frac{6\sqrt{5}}{4\sqrt{5}/5}=\frac{30}{4}=\frac{15}{2}=7.5\).

Answer

a) \(A=6\sqrt{5}\) and \(B=\frac{4\sqrt{5}}{5}\) b) Yes. Both are multiples of \(\sqrt{5}\). c) \(\frac{A}{B}=\frac{15}{2}=7.5\)
Rationalize denominators 35
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. a) \(\frac{6}{\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{2}}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{\sqrt{3}-1}\) c) \(\frac{3\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{6}}\)

Hints

- Use a conjugate when the denominator is a sum or difference of radicals. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity in the denominator. - Multiply the entire numerator and denominator by the conjugate. - Simplify quotients of radicals and any common numerical factors.

Solution

1. In a), multiply by the conjugate \(\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{2}\): \(\frac{6(\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{2})}{5-2}=2\sqrt{5}+2\sqrt{2}\). 2. In b), multiply by \(\sqrt{3}+1\): \(\frac{(\sqrt{3}+1)^2}{3-1}=\frac{4+2\sqrt{3}}{2}=2+\sqrt{3}\). 3. In c), \(\frac{3\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{6}}=3\sqrt{\frac{2}{6}}=\frac{3}{\sqrt{3}}=\sqrt{3}\).

Answer

a) \(2\sqrt{5}+2\sqrt{2}\) b) \(2+\sqrt{3}\) c) \(\sqrt{3}\)
Rationalize denominators 36
Use \(\sqrt{2}\approx1.414\) to approximate \(T=\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}\) to the nearest hundredth in two ways. 1) Divide directly by the approximation for \(\sqrt{2}\). 2) Rationalize first, then multiply. Compare the methods. Which is more convenient without a calculator? Explain.

Hints

- Which multiplier turns the denominator into a rational number? - Compare division by a decimal with multiplication by a whole number. - Round only after carrying out each computation.

Solution

1. Direct division gives \(10\div1.414\approx7.0721\), which rounds to \(7.07\). 2. Rationalization gives \(T=5\sqrt{2}\). Then \(5\cdot1.414=7.07\). 3. Both methods agree to two decimal places, and multiplication by \(5\) is simpler without a calculator.

Answer

1) \(10\div1.414\approx7.07\). 2) \(\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}=5\sqrt{2}\approx5\cdot1.414=7.07\). Rationalizing first is easier by hand because it uses multiplication instead of decimal division.
Rationalize denominators 37
Let \(E=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}}\). a) Rationalize the denominator using a conjugate. b) Use \(\sqrt{3}\approx1.732\) and \(\sqrt{5}\approx2.236\) to approximate \(E\) to the nearest hundredth.

Hints

- Multiply by the conjugate of the denominator. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity. - Substitute the decimal approximations only after simplifying exactly.

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate: \(E=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}}\). 2. The denominator is \(5-3=2\), so \(E=\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}\). 3. Using the given approximations, \(E\approx2.236+1.732=3.968\), which rounds to \(3.97\).

Answer

a) \(\sqrt{5}+\sqrt{3}\) b) \(3.97\)
Rationalize denominators 38
Rationalize each denominator. Assume \(u\), \(v\), \(x\), \(y\), and \(z\) are positive and \(n,m>1\) are natural numbers. 1) \(\frac{u}{\sqrt[n]{v}}\) 2) \(\frac{1}{x\sqrt[4]{y^3}}\) 3) \(\frac{z}{\sqrt[m]{z^{m-1}}}\)

Hints

- Complete the exponent in each radical denominator to the radical index. - Multiply numerator and denominator by the same radical. - Cancel any common factor after rationalizing.

Solution

1. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt[n]{v^{n-1}}}{\sqrt[n]{v^{n-1}}}\): \(\frac{u\sqrt[n]{v^{n-1}}}{v}\). 2. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt[4]{y}}{\sqrt[4]{y}}\): \(\frac{\sqrt[4]{y}}{xy}\). 3. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt[m]{z}}{\sqrt[m]{z}}\): \(\frac{z\sqrt[m]{z}}{z}=\sqrt[m]{z}\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{u\sqrt[n]{v^{n-1}}}{v}\) 2) \(\frac{\sqrt[4]{y}}{xy}\) 3) \(\sqrt[m]{z}\)
Rationalize denominators 39
Let \(T=\frac{1-a}{\sqrt{1+\sqrt{a}}}\), where \(0\le a<1\). Rewrite \(T\) with a rational denominator by factoring the numerator and canceling.

Hints

- View \(1-a\) as a difference of squares. - Factor the numerator so one factor matches the radicand in the denominator. - Use \(u/\sqrt{u}=\sqrt{u}\) when \(u>0\).

Solution

1. Factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(1-a=(1-\sqrt{a})(1+\sqrt{a})\). 2. Then \(T=\frac{(1-\sqrt{a})(1+\sqrt{a})}{\sqrt{1+\sqrt{a}}}\). 3. Since \(1+\sqrt{a}>0\), \(\frac{1+\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{1+\sqrt{a}}}=\sqrt{1+\sqrt{a}}\). 4. Therefore, \(T=(1-\sqrt{a})\sqrt{1+\sqrt{a}}\).

Answer

\((1-\sqrt{a})\sqrt{1+\sqrt{a}}\)
Rationalize denominators 40
Rationalize the denominators and simplify. a) \(\frac{\sqrt{5}+2}{\sqrt{5}-2}\) b) \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}+1}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}-1}\)

Hints

- Multiply each denominator by its conjugate. - Apply the difference-of-squares identity in the denominator. - In b), simplify the two fractions before adding them.

Solution

1. In a), multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{5}+2}{\sqrt{5}+2}\). The denominator is \(5-4=1\), and the numerator is \((\sqrt{5}+2)^2=9+4\sqrt{5}\). 2. In b), rationalize each fraction: \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}+1}=\sqrt{2}-1\) and \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}-1}=\sqrt{2}+1\). 3. Adding gives \((\sqrt{2}-1)+(\sqrt{2}+1)=2\sqrt{2}\).

Answer

a) \(9+4\sqrt{5}\) b) \(2\sqrt{2}\)
Rationalize denominators 41
Rationalize each denominator and simplify completely. 1) \(\frac{x-3}{\sqrt{x^2-9}}\), for \(x<-3\) or \(x>3\) 2) \(\frac{4}{\sqrt{y+4}-\sqrt{y}}\), for \(y\ge0\)

Hints

- Multiply a single radical denominator by itself. - Factor a difference of squares after rationalizing. - Use a conjugate for a denominator that is a difference of radicals.

Solution

1. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{x^2-9}}{\sqrt{x^2-9}}\): \(\frac{(x-3)\sqrt{x^2-9}}{x^2-9}\). Since \(x^2-9=(x-3)(x+3)\) and \(x\ne3\), canceling gives \(\frac{\sqrt{x^2-9}}{x+3}\). 2. Multiply by the conjugate \(\sqrt{y+4}+\sqrt{y}\). The denominator becomes \((y+4)-y=4\), so the result is \(\sqrt{y+4}+\sqrt{y}\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{\sqrt{x^2-9}}{x+3}\) 2) \(\sqrt{y+4}+\sqrt{y}\)
Rationalize denominators 42
Rationalize each denominator and simplify. Assume \(u>|v|>0\) and \(y\ne0\). 1) \(\frac{\sqrt{u+v}+\sqrt{u-v}}{\sqrt{u+v}-\sqrt{u-v}}\) 2) \(\frac{y^2}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}-x}\)

Hints

- Multiply each denominator by its conjugate. - In part 1, square the binomial numerator carefully. - Simplify the difference of squares in each denominator.

Solution

1. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{u+v}+\sqrt{u-v}}{\sqrt{u+v}+\sqrt{u-v}}\). The denominator is \((u+v)-(u-v)=2v\). The numerator is \(2u+2\sqrt{u^2-v^2}\). Dividing by \(2\) gives \(\frac{u+\sqrt{u^2-v^2}}{v}\). 2. Multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+x}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+x}\). The denominator becomes \(x^2+y^2-x^2=y^2\). Since \(y\ne0\), canceling \(y^2\) gives \(\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+x\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{u+\sqrt{u^2-v^2}}{v}\) 2) \(\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+x\)
Rationalize denominators 43
Let \(A=\frac{4}{\sqrt{5}-1}\). a) Rationalize the denominator and simplify \(A\). b) Evaluate \(A^2-2A-4\).

Hints

- Rationalize using the conjugate of the denominator. - Use a binomial identity to square the simplified value of \(A\). - Substitute consistently and combine like terms. - Watch the minus sign when subtracting \(2A\).

Solution

1. Multiply by the conjugate: \(A=\frac{4(\sqrt{5}+1)}{5-1}=\sqrt{5}+1\). 2. Then \(A^2=(\sqrt{5}+1)^2=6+2\sqrt{5}\). 3. Substitute: \(A^2-2A-4=(6+2\sqrt{5})-2(\sqrt{5}+1)-4=0\).

Answer

a) \(A=\sqrt{5}+1\) b) \(0\)
Rationalize denominators 44
Rewrite the expression with no radical in the denominator, and simplify completely: \(\frac{2\sqrt{15}-3\sqrt{3}}{4\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{15}}\)

Hints

- Multiply by the conjugate of the denominator. - Use the product property when multiplying radicals. - Simplify radical products before canceling common factors. - Check whether the final numerator and denominator share a common numerical factor.

Solution

1. Multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate \(4\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{15}\). 2. The denominator becomes \((4\sqrt{3})^2-(\sqrt{15})^2=48-15=33\). 3. The numerator is \((2\sqrt{15}-3\sqrt{3})(4\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{15})=11\sqrt{45}-66=33\sqrt{5}-66\). 4. Divide every term by \(33\) to obtain \(\sqrt{5}-2\).

Answer

\(\sqrt{5}-2\)
Rationalize denominators 45
Let \(x=\frac{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{3}}\) and \(y=\frac{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{3}}\). a) Rationalize both denominators and write simplified exact forms for \(x\) and \(y\). b) Using the rationalized forms from part a), find the exact value of \(x^2-4xy+y^2\).

Hints

- For each denominator, identify its conjugate. - The product of conjugates removes the radical term from the denominator. - After rationalizing both expressions, look for a convenient way to use their sum and product rather than expanding both squares separately.

Solution

1. For \(x\), multiply by the conjugate \(\frac{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{3}}\). The denominator becomes \(7-3=4\), and the numerator is \((\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{3})^2=10+2\sqrt{21}\). Thus, \(x=\frac{5+\sqrt{21}}{2}\). 2. For \(y\), multiply by the conjugate \(\frac{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{3}}\). The denominator again becomes \(4\), and the numerator is \((\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{3})^2=10-2\sqrt{21}\). Thus, \(y=\frac{5-\sqrt{21}}{2}\). 3. From these rationalized forms, \(x+y=5\) and \(xy=\frac{25-21}{4}=1\). 4. Then \(x^2+y^2=(x+y)^2-2xy=25-2=23\). 5. Therefore, \(x^2-4xy+y^2=23-4=19\).

Answer

a) \(x=\frac{5+\sqrt{21}}{2}\), \(y=\frac{5-\sqrt{21}}{2}\) b) \(19\)
Rationalize denominators 46
Find the exact value and simplify completely: \(\frac{1}{(\sqrt{5}-2)^2}+\frac{1}{(\sqrt{5}+2)^2}\)

Hints

- Rationalize each reciprocal before applying the square. - Use the fact that the two binomial denominators are conjugates. - Simplify the rationalized fractions before squaring. - Expand the two squared binomials and combine like terms.

Solution

1. Because \((\sqrt{5}-2)(\sqrt{5}+2)=1\), \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}-2}=\sqrt{5}+2\) and \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}+2}=\sqrt{5}-2\). 2. Therefore, the expression becomes \((\sqrt{5}+2)^2+(\sqrt{5}-2)^2\). 3. Expanding gives \((9+4\sqrt{5})+(9-4\sqrt{5})=18\).

Answer

\(18\)
Rationalize denominators 47
Let \(T(x)=\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+1}-1}\). a) Rationalize the denominator and simplify \(T(x)\) to an equivalent form with no radical in the denominator. State the restriction from the original expression. b) Use the rationalized form to find \(T\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\).

Hints

- How could you multiply the denominator by a related binomial to remove the radical there? - Check the original denominator before canceling any factor. - In part b), substitute into the new expression and simplify the number under the square root first.

Solution

1. The original denominator is zero when \(\sqrt{x^2+1}=1\), which gives \(x=0\). Thus, require \(x\ne0\). 2. Multiply by the conjugate: \(T(x)=\frac{x(\sqrt{x^2+1}+1)}{(\sqrt{x^2+1}-1)(\sqrt{x^2+1}+1)}\). 3. The denominator becomes \(x^2\), so \(T(x)=\frac{\sqrt{x^2+1}+1}{x}\) for \(x\ne0\). 4. At \(x=\frac{4}{3}\), \(\sqrt{x^2+1}=\frac{5}{3}\), hence \(T\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)=\frac{\frac{5}{3}+1}{\frac{4}{3}}=2\).

Answer

a) \(T(x)=\frac{\sqrt{x^2+1}+1}{x}\), with \(x\ne0\). b) \(T\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)=2\).
Rationalize denominators 48
Panel a) graphs \(f(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}+1}\). Panel b) graphs the function \(g\) defined by the fraction obtained when you rationalize the denominator of \(f\). a) Find a formula for \(g\) and state its domain. b) Explain the open circle in panel b). Are \(f\) and \(g\) the same function? Explain.
Figure for problem 560813

Hints

- What two-term factor will turn the denominator into a difference of squares? - Check when that factor is nonzero before using it to multiply by one. - Compare the original and new denominators at the input with the open circle.

Solution

1. For \(x\ge0\) and \(x\ne1\), multiply \(f(x)\) by \(\frac{\sqrt{x}-1}{\sqrt{x}-1}\). The new denominator is \(x-1\), giving \(g(x)=\frac{\sqrt{x}-1}{x-1}\), with domain \(x\ge0\), \(x\ne1\). 2. The expression for \(g\) is undefined at \(x=1\); the graph therefore has an open circle at \((1,\frac{1}{2})\). The original \(f(1)=\frac{1}{2}\) is defined. 3. The functions agree where both are defined, but their domains differ. They are not the same function.

Answer

a) \(g(x)=\frac{\sqrt{x}-1}{x-1}\), with \(x\ge0\) and \(x\ne1\). b) The open circle is at \((1,\frac{1}{2})\), where \(g\) is undefined but \(f(1)=\frac{1}{2}\). No; the functions have different domains.
Rationalize denominators 49
Without using a calculator, determine whether \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5}}\) is less than, greater than, or equal to \(\sqrt{6}\). Justify your answer.

Hints

- Rationalize the denominator using its conjugate. - Since both values are positive, compare their squares. - Reduce the final comparison to nearby perfect squares.

Solution

1. Rationalize the denominator: \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5}}=\frac{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5}}{2}\). 2. Both values are positive, so compare their squares. The square of the first value is \(\left(\frac{\sqrt{7}+\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)^2=3+\frac{\sqrt{35}}{2}\), while \((\sqrt{6})^2=6\). 3. Since \(\sqrt{35}<6\), \(3+\frac{\sqrt{35}}{2}<6\). Therefore, \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5}}<\sqrt{6}\).

Answer

\(\frac{1}{\sqrt{7}-\sqrt{5}}<\sqrt{6}\)
Rationalize denominators 50
Simplify each expression. In part b), rationalize the denominator. a) \(\sqrt{\frac{20(4-\sqrt{15})^2}{5}}\) b) \(\sqrt{\frac{3}{(2-\sqrt{7})^2}}\)

Hints

- Simplify numerical factors under a radical before taking the square root. - Remember that \(\sqrt{u^2}=|u|\). - Determine the sign of each expression inside an absolute value. - Rationalize the resulting binomial denominator using its conjugate.

Solution

1. In a), simplify the numerical fraction: \(\sqrt{4(4-\sqrt{15})^2}=2|4-\sqrt{15}|\). 2. Since \(4=\sqrt{16}>\sqrt{15}\), \(4-\sqrt{15}>0\). Thus, the result is \(2(4-\sqrt{15})=8-2\sqrt{15}\). 3. In b), \(\sqrt{\frac{3}{(2-\sqrt{7})^2}}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{|2-\sqrt{7}|}\). Since \(2<\sqrt{7}\), the denominator is \(\sqrt{7}-2\). 4. Rationalize using the conjugate: \(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{7}-2}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{7}+2}{\sqrt{7}+2}=\frac{\sqrt{21}+2\sqrt{3}}{3}\).

Answer

a) \(8-2\sqrt{15}\) b) \(\frac{\sqrt{21}+2\sqrt{3}}{3}\)
Rationalize denominators 51
Simplify completely. Assume \(x\) and \(y\) are positive. Your final answer must have no radical in the denominator, and all possible factors must be extracted from the radical. \(\left(-\frac{x}{y}\sqrt{\frac{2y}{x^3}}\right)^3\)

Hints

- An odd power preserves the negative sign. - Cube the factor outside the radical and the radical factor separately. - Extract perfect-square powers from the resulting radical. - Multiply by a suitable radical to remove the radical from the denominator.

Solution

1. Cube the factors: \(\left(-\frac{x}{y}\right)^3\left(\sqrt{\frac{2y}{x^3}}\right)^3=-\frac{x^3}{y^3}\sqrt{\frac{8y^3}{x^9}}\). 2. Extract perfect-square factors and cancel: \(-\frac{2\sqrt{2y}}{xy^2\sqrt{x}}\). 3. Rationalize the denominator by multiplying by \(\frac{\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}}\): \(-\frac{2\sqrt{2xy}}{x^2y^2}\).

Answer

\(-\frac{2\sqrt{2xy}}{x^2y^2}\)
Rationalize denominators 52
Let \(A=\frac{b-c}{\sqrt{b}+\sqrt{c}}\). a) When \(b\ne c\), rationalize the denominator using a conjugate and simplify. When \(b=c>0\), evaluate \(A\) directly. b) Obtain one simplified formula for every allowed input by factoring \(b-c\) and canceling. c) Find the real domain of \(A\).

Hints

- Before using a conjugate as a factor of one, check whether it could be zero. - Can you factor the numerator as a difference of two squares? - Which input pair makes both terms in the original denominator zero?

Solution

1. When \(b\ne c\) and both roots are real, multiply by \(\frac{\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}}{\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}}\). The denominator product becomes \(b-c\), so \(A=\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}\). 2. When \(b=c>0\), the original fraction is \(\frac{0}{2\sqrt{b}}=0\), which agrees with \(\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}=0\). The conjugate quotient cannot be used in this case. 3. Alternatively, factor \(b-c=(\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c})(\sqrt{b}+\sqrt{c})\). The second factor in the denominator is nonzero on the original domain, so cancellation gives \(A=\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}\) for every allowed input. 4. Real roots require \(b\ge0\), \(c\ge0\); their sum is zero only if both are zero. Thus \((b,c)\ne(0,0)\).

Answer

a) For \(b\ne c\), multiplying by the conjugate gives \(A=\frac{(b-c)(\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c})}{b-c}=\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}\). For \(b=c>0\), the original fraction gives \(A=0\) directly. b) Since \(b-c=(\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c})(\sqrt{b}+\sqrt{c})\), canceling the nonzero original denominator gives \(A=\sqrt{b}-\sqrt{c}\) throughout the original domain. c) \(b\ge0\), \(c\ge0\), and \((b,c)\ne(0,0)\).
Rationalize denominators 53
Let \(A=\frac{\sqrt{1+x}-\sqrt{1-x}}{\sqrt{1+x}+\sqrt{1-x}}\). a) Rationalize the denominator and show that, for \(x\ne0\), \(A=\frac{1-\sqrt{1-x^2}}{x}\). b) Find \(A\) at \(x=0\) directly from the original expression, then use the rationalized form to find \(A\) at \(x=\frac{1}{2}\).

Hints

- A conjugate product is a difference of two squares. - Check when the transformed denominator can become zero, even if the original denominator is not zero. - At the requested inputs, choose whichever valid expression makes the calculation simpler.

Solution

1. Real roots require \(-1\le x\le1\). Multiply numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{1+x}-\sqrt{1-x}\). 2. The new denominator is \((1+x)-(1-x)=2x\), while the numerator is \(2-2\sqrt{1-x^2}\). For \(x\ne0\), this gives \(A=\frac{1-\sqrt{1-x^2}}{x}\). 3. At \(x=0\), the original fraction is \(\frac{1-1}{1+1}=0\). The rationalized form from part a) cannot be used at zero. 4. At \(x=\frac{1}{2}\), the rationalized form gives \(A=\frac{1-\sqrt{\frac{3}{4}}}{\frac{1}{2}}=2-\sqrt{3}\).

Answer

a) \(A=\frac{1-\sqrt{1-x^2}}{x}\) for \(-1\le x\le1\), \(x\ne0\). b) \(A(0)=0\) and \(A\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)=2-\sqrt{3}\).

All problems may be used, copied and printed free of charge for school and tutoring, including paid tutoring. Commercial adaptations as well as publication or redistribution on the internet are not permitted.