Math Problem Statement

Simplify the following radical expression by using the conjugate: 1 / (sqrt(10) + sqrt(6)).

Solution

The expression given is:

110+6\frac{1}{\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{6}}

The instruction is to simplify this using the conjugate.

Step-by-step simplification:

  1. Multiply by the conjugate: The conjugate of 10+6\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{6} is 106\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}. So, multiply the numerator and the denominator by this conjugate: 110+6×106106=106(10)2(6)2\frac{1}{\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{6}} \times \frac{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}} = \frac{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}}{(\sqrt{10})^2 - (\sqrt{6})^2}

  2. Simplify the denominator: The denominator becomes a difference of squares: (10)2(6)2=106=4(\sqrt{10})^2 - (\sqrt{6})^2 = 10 - 6 = 4 So, the expression simplifies to: 1064\frac{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}}{4}

Thus, the simplified form of the expression is: 1064\frac{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}}{4}

For the answer in the box, the conjugate used is 106\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{6}.

Would you like more details on any of the steps, or have any questions?

Relative Questions:

  1. What are conjugates, and how do they work in simplification?
  2. How is the difference of squares applied in this case?
  3. What are other examples of using conjugates to simplify expressions?
  4. Can you explain how to multiply expressions involving radicals?
  5. How do you deal with complex fractions involving square roots?

Tip:

Always check for conjugates when simplifying expressions with radicals in the denominator—it helps eliminate the square roots effectively.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Radical Expressions
Conjugates
Difference of Squares

Formulas

(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2
Conjugate Multiplication

Theorems

Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12