How to Simplify Radicals in the Denominator?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying the expression √8/3 by eliminating the radical from the denominator. Participants clarify that to achieve this, one must multiply both the numerator and denominator by √3, resulting in the expression (√8 * √3)/(3). The simplification leads to √24/3, which can further be expressed as (2√6)/3. This process adheres to the mathematical convention of rationalizing the denominator.

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kadavis2010
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Homework Statement


√8/3


Homework Equations



none but there can't be any radicals in the denominator

The Attempt at a Solution


=√8/√3=2√2/√3... what do i do now.. I can't have a radical in the denominator
 
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Hint: Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by √3.
 
kadavis2010 said:

Homework Statement


√8/3


Homework Equations



none but there can't be any radicals in the denominator

The Attempt at a Solution


=√8/√3=2√2/√3... what do i do now.. I can't have a radical in the denominator

Why must you not have a radical in the denominator? As you wrote the original expression, you indicated \frac{\sqrt{8}}{3}

Did you really mean to write \sqrt{\frac{8}{3}} ? You can simplify this by multiplying by \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}, which is just a factor of 1.
 
Yeah i meant what you said second... so would i have 24/9... with the square root of course.. but then would it be square root of 24 over 3?
 
Yes but you can rewrite \sqrt{24} = a \sqrt{b} What are a and b?
 

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