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

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the derivative of the following function: f(x)=cos(3x))^2


Show that sqrt(27) + sqrt(192) = a*sqrt(b), where a and b are prime numbers to be determined


How do you prove a mathematical statement via contradiction?


Please Simplify: (2x^2+3x/(2x+3)(x-2))-(6/x^2-x-2))