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

3268 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Use factorisation to simplify the following expression (x^2-9)/(x^2-4x+3)


Express 50p as a fraction of £4 and give your answer in its simplest form.


Calculate the area of a sector which has an acute angle of 30 degrees and a radius of 5cm.


In a sale, an item originally worth £140 is reduced by 15%. What is the new price of the item ?


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