How to Simplify Radicals in the Denominator?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a radical expression, specifically focusing on the expression √8/3 and the requirement to eliminate radicals from the denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the simplification of the expression by rewriting it and question the necessity of having no radicals in the denominator. There is also a discussion about the interpretation of the original expression and the implications of rewriting it.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and exploring different interpretations of the expression. Some guidance has been offered regarding the multiplication by √3 to simplify the denominator, and participants are engaging in clarifying their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing the common rule against having radicals in the denominator and are questioning the original formulation of the expression to ensure clarity in their approach.

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 [tex]\frac{\sqrt{8}}{3}[/tex]

Did you really mean to write [tex]\sqrt{\frac{8}{3}}[/tex] ? You can simplify this by multiplying by [tex]\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}[/tex], 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 [tex]\sqrt{24} = a \sqrt{b}[/tex] What are a and b?
 

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