How to simplify double radical when theres fractions involved?

AI Thread Summary
To simplify the double radical expression sqrt((2-sqrt(3))/4), the correct approach involves recognizing that the expression can be rewritten using a specific formula for double radicals. The initial attempt to separate the components into 1/2 and (-1/4)sqrt(3) led to an incorrect result. The accurate simplification yields (sqrt(6) - sqrt(2)) / 4. Understanding the proper formula and method is crucial for achieving the correct answer. This highlights the importance of following established techniques in radical simplification.
needingtoknow
Messages
160
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement




sqrt((2-sqrt(3))/4)

I tried to split whatever is under the radical sign into two separate parts, 1/2 and (-1/4)sqrt(3)
I realized that 1.5 times 2 is 3 and 2-1.5 = 1/2 so it seemed like it fulfilled the requirements for solving a double radical. so I put down

sqrt(3/2) - sqrt(2)

and end up with (sqrt(3) - 2)/sqrt(2) which isn't correct since the actual answer is

(sqrt(6) - sqrt(2)) / 4

What am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm guessing that you mean this?
\sqrt{\frac{2-\sqrt{3}}{4}}
There is a formula for simplifying double radicals. See here.
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Back
Top