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

5765 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Paul buys three pens and one pencil for £11 while Sam buys four pens and two pencil for £16 - what is the price of pens and pencils?


Given that a = 3 and b = 7 ,  What is the value of 2a + b ?


Work out the integer values that satisfy: x^2−7 x+ 11<0


There is a right angled triangle, you know the length of the hypotenuse (6) and one other side (3), can you calculate the third side of the triangle?


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