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

4294 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the gradient and the y-intercept of the graph y = 3x + 7 ?


Expand the quadratic equation and simplify: (3a+4)(a-1)


How do you find a missing side length in a right-angled triangle?


Solve the simultaneous equations 3x+2y=13 and 4x+y=14


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning