Rationalise the denominator of 1/(4 + sqrt(3))

This denominator is irrational because it contains a surd. To rationalise the denominator we multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. In this case, the conjugate of the denominator is 4-sqrt(3)Therefore we get 1/(4 + sqrt(3)) * (4 - sqrt(3))/(4 - sqrt(3)). This simplifies to: (4 - sqrt(3))/(16 + 4sqrt(3) - 4sqrt(3) -3) and therefore: (4 - sqrt(3))/13

GM
Answered by Giles M. Maths tutor

7571 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The width of a rectangle is X cm.
 The length is 1·5 cm more than the width.
 The perimeter of the rectangle is 17 cm. Write down an equation satisfied by X
 and solve it to find X.


Solve the linear equation 4x+5=-6x+15


Solve the equation 10x + 4 = 12x + 2


How do I solve a simultaneous equation?


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