Prove by contradiction that 2^(1/3) is an irrational number

Assume 2^(1/3) is rational, so can be written as p/q where p and q are integers with no common factors. p/q = 2^(1/3) (p^3)/(q^3) = 2 p^3 = 2q^3 Hence, p is even. Thus, p can be written as 2r, where r is an integer. p^3 = (2r)^3 = 2q^3 8r^3 = 2q^3 4r^3 = q^3 Hence, q is even. Therefore, p and q have common factor 2, which is a contradiction.

OR
Answered by Oscar R. Maths tutor

12749 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The line L1 has vector equation,  L1 = (  6, 1 ,-1  ) + λ ( 2, 1, 0). The line L2 passes through the points (2, 3, −1) and (4, −1, 1). i) find vector equation of L2 ii)show L2 and L1 are perpendicular.


What is the derivative of f(x)=sqrt(3x+2)=(3x+2)^(1/2)?


If I have a picture of a graph f(x), how can I draw what |f(x)| and 3f(x-2) look like?


2x + y = 12. P = xy^2. Show that P = 4x^3 - 48x^2 + 144x


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