How do I simplify a fraction with surds on the bottom when the surd is part of a function?

When doing questions like this you simply times the top and bottom of the fraction by the bottom function but with a sign change. For example if "5 - 3" was the denominator of the fraction (on the bottom of the fraction) you would times the top and bottom of the fraction by "5 + 3". Note that it is only the sign in front of the surd that changes.

Here is a worked example of an exam question:

(4 + 22) / (2 - 2)

(4 + 22)(2 + 2) / (2 - 2)(2 + 2)

Use FOIL to expand the brackets: (8 + 42 + 42 + 4) / (4 + 22 - 22 -2)

SIMPLIFY

(12 + 82) / 2 = 6 + 42

CW
Answered by Charlotte W. Maths tutor

7491 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + 4y = 17 and 4x + y = 14


Please explain the difference between compound and simple interest


Factorise fully the following expression: 2a^(2)b + 6ab^(2)


How to solve a quadratic by factorisation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences