pre calculus

Question

Show how to rationalize the denominator and write each answer in simplest form. show work :)

a. 7 over √5

b. 8 over 4+√(3)

Answer 1

a)

 

Multiply both top and bottom by √5.

Now the denominator has rational number 5.

Answer 2

b) 

To rationalize the denominator, multiply both top and bottom by conjugate of the denominator.

{Apply the formula (a² - b²) = (a - b)(a + b), in this case a = 4, b = √3}

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