How do you rationalize the denominator of a fraction?

Questions which ask for you to rationalize the denominator usually includes an integer and a square root of a number (x+sqrt(y)).We can use the following formula to our advantage: (a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2. In this case, using x and y: (x+sqrt(y))(x-sqrt(y))=x^2-y, and we can see, that it eliminates the square root from the denominator.How can we achive this? By multiplying the fraction by 1, more specifically by (x-sqrt(y))/(x-sqrt(y)) or the other way around.

Answered by Maths tutor

3027 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the follow simultaneous equation:4x + y= 4 and 2x + y= 8


how do you factorise a quadratic where there is a number in front of the x squared?


How to solve rates of change questions?


A man stands 9 metres from the base of a tree. He knows the distance from where he is standing and the top of the tree is 15 metres. How tall is the tree?


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