Simplifying (root 18 + root 12) / (root 8 - root 96) with p & q

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gughanath
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression (root 18 + root 12) / (root 8 - root 96) using variables p and q, where p = root 2 and q = root 3. The original poster expresses frustration over consistently arriving at incorrect answers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants inquire about the original poster's working steps to identify errors. There is mention of decomposing natural numbers into prime factors, and some participants suggest simplifying the square roots involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the original poster's attempts and offering guidance on simplifying the square roots. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has not provided specific details about the incorrect answers they are obtaining, which may be affecting the clarity of the discussion.

Gughanath
Messages
118
Reaction score
0
p = root 2 q = root 3
(root 18 + root 12) / (root 8 - root 96) , write this in terms of p and q in its simplest form. I keep getting the wrong answer, please help! :confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Post your working, so people can show you where you've gone wrong.
 
Do you know how to decompose natural numbers into prime factors...??

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Do you know how to decompose natural numbers into prime factors...??

Daniel.
yes, but i don't end up with the answer i was meant to!
 
Why not?
[tex]\sqrt{18}=3\sqrt{2}=3p[/tex]

Can u handle the other ones...?

Daniel.
 
Gughanath said:
p = root 2 q = root 3
(root 18 + root 12) / (root 8 - root 96) , write this in terms of p and q in its simplest form. I keep getting the wrong answer, please help! :confused:
[tex]p = \sqrt{2}[/tex] , [tex]q = \sqrt{3}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{(\sqrt{18} + \sqrt{12})}{(\sqrt{8} - \sqrt{96})}[/tex]

Personally I just try to make the numbers with the smallest number of terms possible.

E.g. [tex]\sqrt{18} = \sqrt{3 \times 3 \times 2} = pqq[/tex] or [tex]p2q[/tex] or [tex]\sqrt{18} = 3 \sqrt{2} = 3p[/tex]

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Last edited:
You have twice said you "keep getting the wrong answer". Tell us what wrong answers you get and how you are trying to do the problem!
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K