Rationalise the surd: 2/root(x)

To rationalise a surd means to manipulate a fraction involving terms which are being square rooted so that no term in the denominator is being square rooted. For this example 2/root(x) we multiply the fraction by root(x)/root(x). We can do this because something divided by itself is equal to 1, and you can multiply anything by 1 without changing its value.To do this we start with the numerator. 2 multiplied by root(x) which is equal to 2(root(x). Then we do the same with the denominator. root(x) multiplied by root(x) which is just equal to x. This is because the square root of something, squared cancels out the square root. Therefore:2/root(x) x root(x)/root(x) = 2(root(x)/xWith 2(root(x)/x being the rationalised answer.

DT
Answered by Daniel T. Maths tutor

10998 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the max/min value of the function: f(x) = 5x^2 - 20x + 15


A particle of mass M is being suspended by two ropes from a horizontal ceiling. Rope A has a tension of 15N at 30 deg and rope B has a tension of xN at 45 deg, find M assuming the particle remains stationary.


Integrating sin^5(x)cos(x) (in slow logical steps)


∫6e^(2x+1) dx, find integral


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