Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression \( \frac{5}{\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{5}} \)

Solution

The expression in the image is:

510+5\frac{5}{\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{5}}

To simplify this, we can rationalize the denominator by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. The conjugate of 10+5\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{5} is 105\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5}.

Let's go step by step:

  1. Multiply the numerator and the denominator by 105\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5}:

510+5×105105=5(105)(10+5)(105)\frac{5}{\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{5}} \times \frac{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5}} = \frac{5(\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5})}{(\sqrt{10} + \sqrt{5})(\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5})}

  1. Simplify the denominator using the difference of squares formula:

(10)2(5)2=105=5(\sqrt{10})^2 - (\sqrt{5})^2 = 10 - 5 = 5

So, the expression becomes:

5(105)5\frac{5(\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5})}{5}

  1. The 55s cancel out, and we are left with:

105\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5}

Thus, the simplified expression is:

105\sqrt{10} - \sqrt{5}

Would you like further clarification on any part? Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. How do you rationalize a denominator involving a sum of square roots?
  2. What is the difference between a sum and difference of squares in terms of simplification?
  3. Can you simplify 73+2\frac{7}{\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}} using the same method?
  4. What are conjugates and why are they useful in rationalizing denominators?
  5. What happens if you have a complex number in the denominator? How do you rationalize it?

Tip: Rationalizing the denominator helps avoid square roots or irrational numbers in the denominator, making expressions easier to work with.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rationalizing the Denominator
Algebra
Square Roots

Formulas

\( (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 \)

Theorems

Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12