Math Problem Statement

simplify by removing square roots from the denominator

Simplify by removing square roots from the denominator: (2√2 - 2√5) / (4√3 + 4√2)

Solution

The given expression is:

222543+42.\frac{2\sqrt{2} - 2\sqrt{5}}{4\sqrt{3} + 4\sqrt{2}}.

To simplify it by removing square roots from the denominator, we rationalize the denominator. Here's how:

Step 1: Factorize common terms in the numerator and denominator

Factor 22 from the numerator and 44 from the denominator:

2(25)4(3+2).\frac{2(\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{5})}{4(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2})}.

Simplify further: 252(3+2).\frac{\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{5}}{2(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2})}.

Step 2: Rationalize the denominator

To rationalize 2(3+2)2(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}), multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator: 2(32)2(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}).

(25)(32)2(3+2)2(32).\frac{(\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{5}) \cdot (\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2})}{2(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}) \cdot 2(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2})}.

Step 3: Expand the numerator

Expand (25)(32)(\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{5})(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}) using the distributive property:

(25)(32)=6215+10.(\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{5})(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}) = \sqrt{6} - 2 - \sqrt{15} + \sqrt{10}.

Thus, the numerator becomes: 615+102.\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{15} + \sqrt{10} - 2.

Step 4: Simplify the denominator

The denominator is: 2(3+2)(32).2(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2})(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}).

Use the difference of squares formula: (3+2)(32)=32=1.(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2})(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}) = 3 - 2 = 1.

So the denominator simplifies to: 21=2.2 \cdot 1 = 2.

Step 5: Combine

The simplified expression is: 615+1022.\frac{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{15} + \sqrt{10} - 2}{2}.

You can also distribute the denominator: 62152+1021.\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2} - \frac{\sqrt{15}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{10}}{2} - 1.

Thus, the final simplified expression is: 615+1022.\frac{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{15} + \sqrt{10} - 2}{2}.

Let me know if you'd like further clarification!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you rationalize a denominator with more complex conjugates?
  2. What is the difference of squares formula and why is it useful here?
  3. What happens if the denominator is a cube root instead of a square root?
  4. How can the distributive property be used to simplify the numerator faster?
  5. How can we confirm our rationalization process is correct?

Tip: Always simplify by factoring common terms before rationalizing—it can make calculations cleaner and easier!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simplification
Rationalization of denominators
Radicals

Formulas

Difference of squares formula: (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12