Math Problem Statement

y=2+323y=\frac{\sqrt{2+\sqrt3}}{2-\sqrt3}

Solution

We are given the expression:

y=2+323y = \frac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}{2 - \sqrt{3}}

To simplify this expression, we will rationalize the denominator. This involves multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator, which is 2+32 + \sqrt{3}.

Step 1: Multiply by the conjugate

We multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2+32 + \sqrt{3}:

y=2+323×2+32+3y = \frac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}{2 - \sqrt{3}} \times \frac{2 + \sqrt{3}}{2 + \sqrt{3}}

This gives:

y=2+3(2+3)(23)(2+3)y = \frac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}(2 + \sqrt{3})}{(2 - \sqrt{3})(2 + \sqrt{3})}

Step 2: Simplify the denominator

We now simplify the denominator using the difference of squares:

(23)(2+3)=22(3)2=43=1(2 - \sqrt{3})(2 + \sqrt{3}) = 2^2 - (\sqrt{3})^2 = 4 - 3 = 1

So the denominator is 1, and we are left with:

y=2+3(2+3)y = \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}(2 + \sqrt{3})

Step 3: Expand the expression

Now expand the numerator:

y=2+3×(2+3)y = \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}} \times (2 + \sqrt{3})

This is as simplified as it gets without knowing more about the numerical value of 2+3\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}, so the final expression is:

y=2+3(2+3)y = \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}(2 + \sqrt{3})

Let me know if you'd like further details or explanations!

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the conjugate of a binomial with radicals?
  2. What are the steps to rationalize a denominator containing a square root?
  3. How do you simplify an expression with nested square roots?
  4. What is the difference of squares and how is it used in rationalizing denominators?
  5. Can you apply these steps to other expressions with radicals?

Tip:

Always check if multiplying by the conjugate simplifies the denominator completely or requires additional steps!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rationalization
Radicals
Algebra

Formulas

Rationalization using conjugates
Difference of squares: (a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2

Theorems

Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12