Math Problem Statement

Rationalise the denominater and simplify

Solution

To rationalize the denominator of the expression 332\frac{3}{\sqrt{3} - 2}, follow these steps:

Step 1: Multiply by the conjugate

To rationalize the denominator, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. The conjugate of 32\sqrt{3} - 2 is 3+2\sqrt{3} + 2.

332×3+23+2=3(3+2)(32)(3+2)\frac{3}{\sqrt{3} - 2} \times \frac{\sqrt{3} + 2}{\sqrt{3} + 2} = \frac{3(\sqrt{3} + 2)}{(\sqrt{3} - 2)(\sqrt{3} + 2)}

Step 2: Simplify the denominator

The denominator is a difference of squares:

(3)222=34=1(\sqrt{3})^2 - 2^2 = 3 - 4 = -1

Step 3: Simplify the numerator

Distribute the 33 across the terms in the numerator:

3(3+2)=33+63(\sqrt{3} + 2) = 3\sqrt{3} + 6

Step 4: Combine the results

Now, put it all together:

33+61=336\frac{3\sqrt{3} + 6}{-1} = -3\sqrt{3} - 6

So, the simplified expression is 336\boxed{-3\sqrt{3} - 6}.

Would you like any more details or have any further questions? Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the importance of using the conjugate when rationalizing denominators?
  2. How do you apply the difference of squares formula in different contexts?
  3. Can you rationalize the denominator of 521\frac{5}{\sqrt{2} - 1}?
  4. What are the properties of conjugates and how do they help in simplifications?
  5. How would the process change if the denominator was 3+2\sqrt{3} + 2 instead?

Tip: Rationalizing denominators helps in simplifying expressions and making them easier to work with, especially when dealing with square roots!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rationalizing Denominators
Conjugates
Difference of Squares

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School