Rationalise the denominator of 14 / 2 + root3

The denominator in this equation is irrational. This can be seen by the fact that we have a surd (root 3) present, which cannot be expressed as a fraction as is therefore not rational.
In order to rationalise this denominator, we must multiply the fraction by another fraction which will eliminate the presence of the root 3. This must have the denominator of 2 - root 3, as when multiplied, the root 3 is squared and becomes 3. However, in order for this to be possible, the fraction must also have a numerator of 2-root3, so that we are effectively multiplying the fraction by 1. When multiplying, this leaves us with an answer of 28-14 root3, which can be cancelled to 2(14-7root3).

Answered by Emily T. Maths tutor

3670 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the solutions to the following equation x^2 - 5*x + 6 = 0


What are surds and why are they used?


Solve the following equation by factorisation: x^2 - 2x -15 = 0


The area of this rectangle is 56 cm2 length = 3k+2 and width = 7 - Find the value of k


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy