How do you prove by contradiction the irrationality of surds. Use sqrt 2 as an example.

Proof by contradiction works by working of the assumption a statement is true, then showing it contradicts with a known truth. It's easy to rote learn the main ones required for Maths A Levels (irriationality of surds, infinity of primes, etc), but in the case you can't remember/don't recognise it, it's better to learn how to do it.By definition, a rational number can be expressed in the form a/b, where both a and b are integers and a/b is the simplest form of the fraction.So let's say root 2 is rational. It can thereore be expressed as a/b where both a and b are integers and a/b is the simplest form of the fraction.root 2 = a/bNow square both sides.2 = a2/b2 which can be rearranged to a2 = 2b2. From this we can infer that a must have a factor of 2. We can express it as a = 2c where c is an integer as well.Substitute this back into our equation.4c2 = 2b2 which can be simplified to 2b2 = c2. By the same logic from before, we can say that b must have a factor of 2.
This is where our contradiction is. If both a and b have a factor of 2, then a/b cannot be a fraction in its simplest form. #
Therefore root 2 is not rational.

Answered by Maths tutor

6035 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

show that f(x)=cos(x) is even and what is its graphical property


Given that the increase in the volume of a cube is given by dV/dt = t^3 + 5 (cm^3/s). The volume of the cube is initially at 5 cm^3. Find the volume of the cube at time t = 4.


find the integral between the limits 0 and pi/2 of sin(x)cos(x) with respect to x.


Show that 2(1-cos(x)) = 3sin^2(x) can be written as 3cos^2(x)-2cos(x)-1=0.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences