Prove that the sqrt(2) is irrational

To do this we will assume sqrt(2) is rational, a fraction, which means: 21/2 = m/n; m,n belong to integers. Also, m/n is an irreductible fraction, meaning m and n have no common divisors.

21/2 = m/n <=> 2 = m2/n2 <=>  2n2=m2;  this means m2 is even (divisible by 2), which implies m is even (can be proven).

Hence, m can be rewritten as: m = 2k. Thus: 2n2=(2k)2 <=> 2n2=4k2 <=> n2=2k2; the same logic is applied as above: n2 is even (divisible by 2), which implies n is even.

We have now arrived at a contradiction: m/n was supposed to be an irreductable fraction, however both m and n can be divided by 2.

Ergo, by contradiction, we can conclude that srqt(2) cannot be a rational number, hence, srqt(2) is irrational.

JC
Answered by Joao C. Maths tutor

3691 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to I factorise a quadratic equation?


A rectangle has the length of (2x + 5) and the width of (3x - 2). The perimeter of the rectangle is 36cm. Find the length and width of this rectangle.


Make x the subject of the formula: y=(x+5w/2)^0.5


Write x^2 + 6x - 10 in the form ((x+a)^2)+b?


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