Math Problem Statement

Simplify the given mathematical expression: \( \frac{\sqrt{-48}}{\sqrt{-3}} \).

Solution

The given mathematical expression is:

483\frac{\sqrt{-48}}{\sqrt{-3}}

Step 1: Simplify each square root

To simplify the square roots involving negative numbers, we use the imaginary unit ii, where i=1i = \sqrt{-1}. Therefore:

48=48iand3=3i\sqrt{-48} = \sqrt{48} \cdot i \quad \text{and} \quad \sqrt{-3} = \sqrt{3} \cdot i

Step 2: Substitute these into the fraction

Substituting the expressions for the square roots, we get:

483=48i3i\frac{\sqrt{-48}}{\sqrt{-3}} = \frac{\sqrt{48} \cdot i}{\sqrt{3} \cdot i}

Step 3: Simplify

The imaginary units ii in the numerator and denominator cancel out:

48i3i=483\frac{\sqrt{48} \cdot i}{\sqrt{3} \cdot i} = \frac{\sqrt{48}}{\sqrt{3}}

Next, simplify 483\frac{\sqrt{48}}{\sqrt{3}} using the property of square roots ab=ab\frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}} = \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}}:

483=483\frac{\sqrt{48}}{\sqrt{3}} = \sqrt{\frac{48}{3}}

Step 4: Simplify the fraction inside the square root

483=16\frac{48}{3} = 16

Thus: 483=16\sqrt{\frac{48}{3}} = \sqrt{16}

Step 5: Evaluate the square root

16=4\sqrt{16} = 4

Final Answer:

483=4\frac{\sqrt{-48}}{\sqrt{-3}} = 4

Would you like a detailed breakdown of any part of this?


Here are 5 questions to expand your understanding:

  1. Why do the imaginary units ii cancel out in the fraction?
  2. How can the property ab=ab\frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}} = \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}} be proven?
  3. What are other examples of simplifying square roots with negative numbers?
  4. How does this approach generalize to cube roots or higher roots?
  5. What happens if one square root involves a negative number and the other does not?

Tip: When working with square roots of negative numbers, always express them using ii before performing further simplifications!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Square Roots
Imaginary Numbers
Simplification of Expressions

Formulas

\( i = \sqrt{-1} \)
\( \frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}} = \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}} \)

Theorems

Definition of the imaginary unit \( i \)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12