How can you de-rationalise the denominator of 3sqrt2/2?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical process of de-rationalizing the denominator of the expression 3√2/2 to arrive at 3/√2. Participants clarify that starting with 3/√2 and multiplying by √2/√2 leads to the original expression, demonstrating the concept of rationalizing the denominator. The key takeaway is that rationalizing involves eliminating surds from the denominator, while de-rationalizing is the reverse process. Understanding these steps is essential for manipulating expressions involving square roots.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rational and irrational numbers
  • Familiarity with square roots and surds
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of mathematical notation and expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of rationalizing denominators in algebraic expressions
  • Learn about the properties of square roots and their simplifications
  • Explore advanced algebraic techniques for manipulating fractions
  • Practice problems involving rational and irrational numbers
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students learning algebra, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in improving their skills in manipulating mathematical expressions involving square roots.

Ry122
Messages
563
Reaction score
2
How do you get 3/sqrt2 from 3sqrt2/2?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ask yourself what's (sqrt x)^2?
 
hint: sqrt2/sqrt2 = 1
 
sorry don't follow
 
Try going the other way.
Start with
\frac 3 {\sqrt 2}

to get

\frac {3 \sqrt 2} 2
 
If you're going from 3sqrt2/2 to 3/sqrt2 you're basically de-rationalizing the denominator.
 
By definition (\sqrt{2})^2= \sqrt{2}\sqrt{2}= 2. That means that
\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}= \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}\sqrt{2}}
 
Ry122 said:
How do you get 3/sqrt2 from 3sqrt2/2?

\frac{3}{\sqrt 2} . \frac{\sqrt 2}{\sqrt 2} = \frac{3 \sqrt 2}{2}.

This is rationalising the denominator as you cannot have a surd on the denominator. The question that you are asking is how you get the reverse, de-rationalising the denominator. Try opposite steps to the one I shown.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
749
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K