How do I rationalise the denominator of √2+1]/√2-1?

We must choose something to multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the same thing, and the best thing to choose is the difference of two squares (since (x^2-y)(x^2+y)=x^2-y^2 ).
So we do (√2+1)(√2+1)/(√2-1)(√2+1). Since the (√2)^2=2, the numerator becomes 2+2√2+1, and the bottom becomes 2-1=1 (the difference of two squares). Simplifying this out becomes 2√2+3/1, which is 2√2+3

HJ
Answered by Harry J. Maths tutor

5506 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I factorise x^2 ​- 4?


Solve x/(x-7) + 6/(x+4) = 1


How do I solve a simultaneous equation like this: 2x-5y=3, 3x+2y=14 ?


How do I factorise x^2 - 5x + 6


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