In Exercises 39–64, rationalize each denominator. 1 ----- ³√3

Key Concepts

Rationalizing the Denominator

Rationalizing the denominator involves rewriting a fraction so that the denominator is a rational number. This is often necessary when the denominator contains a radical, such as a square root or cube root. The goal is to eliminate the radical from the denominator, making the expression easier to work with and understand.

Cube Roots

A cube root of a number 'a' is a value 'b' such that b³ = a. In the context of rationalizing denominators, cube roots can complicate expressions, as they are not as straightforward as square roots. Understanding how to manipulate cube roots is essential for effectively rationalizing expressions that involve them.

Multiplying by the Conjugate

When rationalizing denominators that involve roots, one common technique is to multiply both the numerator and denominator by a form of the conjugate. For cube roots, this may involve using a specific factor that, when multiplied, will eliminate the radical in the denominator. This method is crucial for simplifying expressions while maintaining their value.