Math Problem Statement

Rationalize the denominator

Solution

To rationalize the denominator of the given expression:

17+5+175\frac{1}{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}}

We will multiply both terms by their respective conjugates.

Step 1: Rationalize the first term

17+5×7575=75(7)2(5)2=7575=752\frac{1}{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}} \times \frac{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}} = \frac{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}}{(\sqrt{7})^2 - (\sqrt{5})^2} = \frac{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}}{7 - 5} = \frac{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}}{2}

Step 2: Rationalize the second term

175×7+57+5=7+5(7)2(5)2=7+575=7+52\frac{1}{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}} \times \frac{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}} = \frac{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}}{(\sqrt{7})^2 - (\sqrt{5})^2} = \frac{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}}{7 - 5} = \frac{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}}{2}

Step 3: Combine the two expressions

Now, adding the two rationalized expressions:

752+7+52=(75)+(7+5)2=272=7\frac{\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5}}{2} = \frac{(\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{5}) + (\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{5})}{2} = \frac{2\sqrt{7}}{2} = \sqrt{7}

Final Answer

The rationalized and simplified result of the given expression is:

7\sqrt{7}

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. What are the steps to rationalize a denominator in general?
  2. How does multiplying by the conjugate help in rationalizing the denominator?
  3. Can this method be used for any expression with a square root in the denominator?
  4. What would happen if the denominator had a more complex expression, like a+b\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}?
  5. How does rationalizing the denominator affect the value of an expression?

Tip: When rationalizing a denominator, always check if multiplying by the conjugate simplifies the expression completely.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Square Roots
Rationalization

Formulas

Conjugate of a binomial

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12