Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Rationalize Denominator
Problem 53
Textbook Question
Rationalize the denominator.
5+36
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1
Identify the expression that needs rationalization: \( \frac{6}{\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{3}} \). The goal is to eliminate the square roots in the denominator.
Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. The conjugate of \( \sqrt{5} + \sqrt{3} \) is \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{3} \).
Write the expression as: \( \frac{6}{\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{3}} \).
Simplify the denominator using the difference of squares formula: \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\). Here, \(a = \sqrt{5}\) and \(b = \sqrt{3}\), so the denominator becomes \(5 - 3\).
Simplify the expression by multiplying the numerators and the denominators separately, and then simplify the resulting expression.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
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