How to prove √X is irrational number

In summary, when X is an even number, it is easy to prove that \sqrt{x} is irrational. However, when X is an odd number, it becomes more complicated. The condition for \sqrt{x} to be irrational is that x is not equal to n^2 for any integer n. This can be proven using the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, which states that if p^2/q^2 = x with gcd(p,q)=1, then certain numbers must divide others. The proof for \sqrt{2} can be adapted for other numbers, but it's important to note that "even" just means "divisible by 2" and is not relevant for numbers other than 2. For more information and a
  • #1
SOHAWONG
16
0
when X is even number,it's easy to prove
but how about the condition which X is odd number?
I have no idea of this
 
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  • #2
[itex]\sqrt{4}[/itex] is irrational?
 
  • #3
Hurkyl said:
[itex]\sqrt{4}[/itex] is irrational?
no,i may add despite 1,4,9,16,25...etc
 
  • #4
So in other words...

[tex]\sqrt{x}[/tex] is irrational iff x=/=n^2 for n belonging to the integer set.
 
  • #5
Char. Limit said:
So in other words...

[tex]\sqrt{x}[/tex] is irrational iff x=/=n^2 for n belonging to the integer set.
yes, but how to prove?:confused:
 
  • #6
Fundamental theorem of arithmetic. Assume p^2/q^2=x with gcd(p,q)=1, and see what has to divide what.
 
  • #7
Tinyboss said:
Fundamental theorem of arithmetic. Assume p^2/q^2=x with gcd(p,q)=1, and see what has to divide what.

what does gcd mean?
 
  • #8
Greatest common divisor. If gcd(p,q)=1, it means the fraction p/q is in lowest terms.

Look at the proof for sqrt(2), and adapt it. Remember that "even" just means "is divisible by 2", so that if you're checking a number other than 2, you won't be thinking about "even" anymore.
 

1. What is an irrational number?

An irrational number is a real number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. It is a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal number.

2. How do you prove that √X is irrational?

The most commonly used method to prove that √X is irrational is by contradiction. Assume that √X is rational and can be expressed as a ratio of two integers, then use algebraic manipulation to reach a contradiction.

3. What is the proof by contradiction method?

The proof by contradiction method assumes the opposite of what is to be proven and then shows that this assumption leads to a contradiction, thus proving the original statement to be true.

4. Can you provide an example of a proof by contradiction for √2 being irrational?

Assume that √2 is rational and can be expressed as a/b, where a and b are integers with no common factors. Then, √2 = a/b can be rewritten as 2 = a^2/b^2, which means 2b^2 = a^2. This implies that a^2 is even, and therefore a must be even. Let a = 2c, where c is another integer. Substituting this into the equation 2b^2 = a^2, we get 2b^2 = (2c)^2 = 4c^2. This means that b^2 = 2c^2, and similarly, b must also be even. However, this contradicts our initial assumption that a and b have no common factors. Therefore, √2 cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers, and it is irrational.

5. Are there any other methods to prove that √X is irrational?

Yes, there are other methods such as the continued fraction method and the Euclidean algorithm. However, the proof by contradiction method is the most commonly used and relatively straightforward.

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