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

7714 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Make y the subject of the formula. x=(6+2y)/(3-y)


Rearrange v = u + at to make t the subject of the formula


Given that x : y = 7 : 4 and x + y = 88, calculate x - y.


x^2 + 6x + 8


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