Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression \( \frac{1}{7 + \sqrt{3}} + \frac{1}{7 - \sqrt{3}} \).

Solution

The expression in the image is:

17+3+173\frac{1}{7 + \sqrt{3}} + \frac{1}{7 - \sqrt{3}}

To simplify this, let's go through the steps:

Step 1: Find a common denominator

The common denominator for the two fractions is (7+3)(73)(7 + \sqrt{3})(7 - \sqrt{3}).

Step 2: Expand the denominator

We use the difference of squares formula: (a+b)(ab)=a2b2(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2.

(7+3)(73)=72(3)2=493=46(7 + \sqrt{3})(7 - \sqrt{3}) = 7^2 - (\sqrt{3})^2 = 49 - 3 = 46

So, the common denominator is 4646.

Step 3: Rewrite the expression with the common denominator

Now, rewrite each fraction as follows:

17+3+173=7346+7+346\frac{1}{7 + \sqrt{3}} + \frac{1}{7 - \sqrt{3}} = \frac{7 - \sqrt{3}}{46} + \frac{7 + \sqrt{3}}{46}

Step 4: Combine the fractions

Combine the numerators over the common denominator:

73+7+346=1446=723\frac{7 - \sqrt{3} + 7 + \sqrt{3}}{46} = \frac{14}{46} = \frac{7}{23}

Final Answer

17+3+173=723\frac{1}{7 + \sqrt{3}} + \frac{1}{7 - \sqrt{3}} = \frac{7}{23}

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How would you simplify a similar expression like 15+2+152\frac{1}{5 + \sqrt{2}} + \frac{1}{5 - \sqrt{2}}?
  2. What is the importance of rationalizing the denominator in fractions with square roots?
  3. How would you expand and simplify an expression like (a+b)(ab)(a + b)(a - b)?
  4. What would happen if the denominator had a complex number instead of a square root?
  5. Can you find the result of 1a+b+1ab\frac{1}{a + \sqrt{b}} + \frac{1}{a - \sqrt{b}} for any values of aa and bb?

Tip: When working with expressions with square roots, using the difference of squares formula helps in simplifying by eliminating the root in the denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rationalization
Square Roots

Formulas

Difference of squares: (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2
Common denominator: \( (7 + \sqrt{3})(7 - \sqrt{3}) \)

Theorems

Difference of Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10