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

  • Thread starter Gughanath
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In summary, the conversation is about simplifying the expression (root 18 + root 12) / (root 8 - root 96) in terms of p = root 2 and q = root 3. The other person suggests using prime factorization to make the numbers simpler, while asking for more information on the wrong answers that are being received.
  • #1
Gughanath
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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:
 
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  • #2
Post your working, so people can show you where you've gone wrong.
 
  • #3
Do you know how to decompose natural numbers into prime factors...??

Daniel.
 
  • #4
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!
 
  • #5
Why not?
[tex] \sqrt{18}=3\sqrt{2}=3p[/tex]

Can u handle the other ones...?

Daniel.
 
  • #6
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:
  • #7
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!
 

1. How do you simplify (√18 + √12) / (√8 - √96) with p & q?

To simplify this expression, we can use the property of rationalizing the denominator by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator (√8 + √96). This will eliminate the radical in the denominator and allow us to combine like terms. The simplified form is (√8 + √6) / 16.

2. Why do we need to use p & q in simplifying this expression?

The variables p and q are used to represent the two terms in the denominator (√8 - √96). This allows us to easily identify the conjugate of the denominator, which is (√8 + √96), and use it to rationalize the expression.

3. Can this expression be simplified further?

No, the expression (√18 + √12) / (√8 - √96) is already in its simplest form after using the conjugate to rationalize the denominator.

4. What is the purpose of simplifying expressions?

Simplifying expressions allows us to manipulate and work with them more easily. It also helps us to find patterns and relationships between different mathematical concepts.

5. Is there a specific order or steps to follow in simplifying expressions with radicals?

Yes, the general steps for simplifying expressions with radicals are:
1. Identify the conjugate of the denominator.
2. Multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate.
3. Simplify the resulting expression by combining like terms.
4. Check if the expression can be simplified further.

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