How do I simplify this fraction with radicals?

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The discussion focuses on simplifying the fraction $\large \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{4-3\sqrt[4]{5}+2\sqrt{5}-\sqrt[4]{125}}}$. The solution involves verifying the equality and determining the appropriate value of $a$. MarkFL's approach emphasizes the importance of checking initial trials for correctness in mathematical simplification. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding radical expressions and their simplification techniques.

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Simplify $\large \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{4-3\sqrt[4]{5}+2\sqrt{5}-\sqrt[4]{125}}}$.
 
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My solution:

Let $$x=\sqrt[4]{5}$$

I would try to see if there is a solution for $a$ in:

$$\left(1+ax \right)^2\left(4-3x+2x^2-x^3 \right)=4$$

$$-a^2x^5+(2a^2-2a)x^4+(-3a^2+4a-1)x^3+(4a^2-6a+2)x^2+(8a-3)x+4=4$$

Now, we have:

$$x^5=5x$$ and $$x^4=5$$ hence we may write (after factoring):

$$(a-1)(1-3a)x^3+2(a-1)(2a-1)x^2+(a-1)(3-5a)x+10a(a-1)=0$$

Thus, we find $a=1$. And so we may write:

$$\frac{2}{\sqrt{4-3\sqrt[4]{5}+2\sqrt{5}-\sqrt[4]{125}}}=1+\sqrt[4]{5}$$
 
MarkFL said:
My solution:

Let $$x=\sqrt[4]{5}$$

I would try to see if there is a solution for $a$ in:

$$\left(1+ax \right)^2\left(4-3x+2x^2-x^3 \right)=4$$

$$-a^2x^5+(2a^2-2a)x^4+(-3a^2+4a-1)x^3+(4a^2-6a+2)x^2+(8a-3)x+4=4$$

Now, we have:

$$x^5=5x$$ and $$x^4=5$$ hence we may write (after factoring):

$$(a-1)(1-3a)x^3+2(a-1)(2a-1)x^2+(a-1)(3-5a)x+10a(a-1)=0$$

Thus, we find $a=1$. And so we may write:

$$\frac{2}{\sqrt{4-3\sqrt[4]{5}+2\sqrt{5}-\sqrt[4]{125}}}=1+\sqrt[4]{5}$$

Thanks for participating, MarkFL! You're very smart in checking if your first trial over the equality holds and if it does, what value of $a$ does it takes. Well done!
 

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