Math Problem Statement

solve

Rationalize the denominator of the expression: \(\frac{3}{\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{6}}\), then simplify your answer.

Solution

We are tasked with rationalizing the denominator of the expression:

35+6\frac{3}{\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{6}}

Step 1: Multiply by the conjugate

To rationalize the denominator, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of 5+6\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{6}, which is 56\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6}. This will eliminate the square roots in the denominator.

35+6×5656=3(56)(5+6)(56)\frac{3}{\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{6}} \times \frac{\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6}} = \frac{3(\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6})}{(\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{6})(\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6})}

Step 2: Simplify the denominator

The denominator simplifies using the difference of squares formula:

(5+6)(56)=(5)2(6)2=56=1(\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{6})(\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6}) = (\sqrt{5})^2 - (\sqrt{6})^2 = 5 - 6 = -1

Thus, the expression becomes:

3(56)1\frac{3(\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6})}{-1}

Step 3: Simplify the overall expression

Dividing by 1-1 changes the signs in the numerator:

3(56)=35+36-3(\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{6}) = -3\sqrt{5} + 3\sqrt{6}

Final Answer:

The simplified expression is:

35+36-3\sqrt{5} + 3\sqrt{6}

Would you like further details on any part of this process?

Here are some related questions to further your understanding:

  1. What are conjugates and why are they used for rationalizing denominators?
  2. Can you provide a real-world example where rationalizing a denominator might be useful?
  3. How would you rationalize a denominator with three terms (e.g., 2+3+5\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{3} + \sqrt{5})?
  4. What is the difference of squares, and how is it applied in various math problems?
  5. How would this method change if there were a cube root instead of a square root?

Tip: When rationalizing, always remember to multiply by the conjugate, as it effectively eliminates square roots in the denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Radicals
Rationalization

Formulas

Conjugate of \(\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}\) is \(\sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b}\)
Difference of squares: \((a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2\)

Theorems

Difference of Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12