Math Problem Statement

Evaluate: sqrt(5 + 2√6) + sqrt(8 - 2√15)

Solution

To evaluate the given expression:

5+26+8215\sqrt{5 + 2\sqrt{6}} + \sqrt{8 - 2\sqrt{15}}

Step 1: Simplify each term separately.

First term: 5+26\sqrt{5 + 2\sqrt{6}}

Assume that 5+26=a+b\sqrt{5 + 2\sqrt{6}} = \sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}, where aa and bb are numbers to be determined.

Squaring both sides:

5+26=(a+b)2=a+b+2ab5 + 2\sqrt{6} = (\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b})^2 = a + b + 2\sqrt{ab}

This gives two equations:

  1. a+b=5a + b = 5
  2. 2ab=262\sqrt{ab} = 2\sqrt{6}, which simplifies to ab=6ab = 6

From a+b=5a + b = 5 and ab=6ab = 6, these are the conditions for factoring a quadratic equation. The roots of the equation x2(a+b)x+ab=0x^2 - (a+b)x + ab = 0 are:

x25x+6=0x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0

Factoring:

(x3)(x2)=0(x - 3)(x - 2) = 0

Thus, a=3a = 3 and b=2b = 2.

Therefore:

5+26=3+2\sqrt{5 + 2\sqrt{6}} = \sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}

Second term: 8215\sqrt{8 - 2\sqrt{15}}

Similarly, assume that 8215=cd\sqrt{8 - 2\sqrt{15}} = \sqrt{c} - \sqrt{d}, where cc and dd are numbers to be determined.

Squaring both sides:

8215=(cd)2=c+d2cd8 - 2\sqrt{15} = (\sqrt{c} - \sqrt{d})^2 = c + d - 2\sqrt{cd}

This gives two equations:

  1. c+d=8c + d = 8
  2. 2cd=215-2\sqrt{cd} = -2\sqrt{15}, which simplifies to cd=15cd = 15

From c+d=8c + d = 8 and cd=15cd = 15, these are the conditions for factoring a quadratic equation. The roots of the equation x2(c+d)x+cd=0x^2 - (c+d)x + cd = 0 are:

x28x+15=0x^2 - 8x + 15 = 0

Factoring:

(x5)(x3)=0(x - 5)(x - 3) = 0

Thus, c=5c = 5 and d=3d = 3.

Therefore:

8215=53\sqrt{8 - 2\sqrt{15}} = \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{3}

Step 2: Add the simplified terms together

Now, we add the two simplified terms:

(3+2)+(53)\left( \sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2} \right) + \left( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{3} \right)

Simplifying:

2+5\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{5}

Thus, the value of the given expression is:

2+5\boxed{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{5}}

Let me know if you need further clarifications or have any questions.

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you solve similar problems involving nested square roots?
  2. What is the general method for simplifying square root expressions?
  3. Can you apply the same technique for cubed roots?
  4. How does factoring quadratic equations help in simplifying square roots?
  5. What is the geometric interpretation of nested radicals?

Tip: When simplifying square roots involving sums or differences of radicals, assuming a form like a±b\sqrt{a} \pm \sqrt{b} and squaring both sides can be an efficient strategy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Radicals
Quadratic Equations
Simplifying Expressions

Formulas

(a + b)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + 2ab
Factoring quadratic equations

Theorems

Properties of square roots
Factoring quadratic equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12