How do you rationalise the denominator?

If a denominator is has just one square root (i.e 1/(3)^0.5). Then, since it is a fraction you can multiply top and bottom by the same number and maintain the value of the fraction. Hence we multiply top and bottom by the square root in the denominator,(in previous example we would use (3)^0.5). Then using the rules of roots we now have a rational denominator. If denominator has more than 1 part to it (i.e 1/(1+(5)^0.5)) then we must be more clever. Recall difference of 2 squares, (x+y)(x-y)=x^2-y^2, hence if either x or y were square roots then, the answer would be rational. So now consider1/((1+(5)^0.5) is the denominator, by multiplying top and bottom by (1-(5)^0.5) we have rationalised the denominator since we get (1-(5)^0.5)/(1-5)= (1-(5)^0.5)/(-4)

NA
Answered by Natasha A. Maths tutor

3919 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to solve the maths GCSE question about Hannah's sweets that went viral


Gemma wants to buy an equal number of pencils and rulers. Find how many of each she is able to purchase with £5. Use the price list below.


A ten-sided die with sides numbered 1-10 is thrown. What is the probability of throwing a 1?


Given that y r 1 2 x , complete this table of values. x 1 2 5 10 y 1


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning