Math Problem Statement

3+434\frac{\sqrt3+\sqrt4}{\sqrt3-\sqrt4}

Solution

The given expression is:

3+434\frac{\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{4}}{\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{4}}

Let's simplify it step by step.

Step 1: Recognize that 4=2\sqrt{4} = 2.

So the expression becomes:

3+232\frac{\sqrt{3} + 2}{\sqrt{3} - 2}

Step 2: Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator.

The conjugate of 32\sqrt{3} - 2 is 3+2\sqrt{3} + 2.

3+232×3+23+2=(3+2)2(3)2(2)2\frac{\sqrt{3} + 2}{\sqrt{3} - 2} \times \frac{\sqrt{3} + 2}{\sqrt{3} + 2} = \frac{(\sqrt{3} + 2)^2}{(\sqrt{3})^2 - (2)^2}

Step 3: Simplify the denominator.

(3)2(2)2=34=1(\sqrt{3})^2 - (2)^2 = 3 - 4 = -1

Step 4: Expand the numerator.

(3+2)2=(3)2+2×3×2+22=3+43+4=7+43(\sqrt{3} + 2)^2 = (\sqrt{3})^2 + 2 \times \sqrt{3} \times 2 + 2^2 = 3 + 4\sqrt{3} + 4 = 7 + 4\sqrt{3}

Step 5: Put it all together.

Now the expression becomes:

7+431=(7+43)=743\frac{7 + 4\sqrt{3}}{-1} = -(7 + 4\sqrt{3}) = -7 - 4\sqrt{3}

Thus, the simplified expression is:

743\boxed{-7 - 4\sqrt{3}}

Would you like further details on any step? Here are 5 related questions you might explore:

  1. What is the importance of using the conjugate when simplifying such expressions?
  2. How do you expand binomials like (3+2)2(\sqrt{3} + 2)^2?
  3. Can you generalize this process for similar expressions with square roots?
  4. What happens if the denominator does not have a difference of squares?
  5. How does rationalizing affect the overall value of a fraction?

Tip: Multiplying by the conjugate is a powerful tool for simplifying expressions with radicals in the denominator!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Radicals
Conjugates
Simplification

Formulas

Conjugate multiplication: (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2
Expansion of binomials: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2

Theorems

Difference of squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11