# Proof that sqrt(6)-sqrt(2)-sqrt(3) is irrational

#### abruzzi

I want to prove that $$\sqrt 6 - \sqrt 2- \sqrt 3$$ is irrational.

I already know that $$\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3$$ is irrational (by squaring it). I would like a proof that doesn't use a polynomial and the rational root theorem.

Thanks.

Last edited:

#### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
I want to proof that $$\sqrt 6 - \sqrt 2- \sqrt 3$$ is irrational.

I already know that $$\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3$$ is irrational (by squaring it). I would like a proof that doesn't use a polynomial and the rational root theorem.

Thanks.
Is $\mahtbb{Q}(\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{3})$ Galois over Q? If so, something is rational if and only if it is equal to all of its conjugates. (The same is true if the field isn't galois... it's just that in that case, its conjugates would live in other fields)

#### abruzzi

Sorry, but I have no idea about groups, rings, fields, etc. I am looking for a basic proof.

For example the proof that I have that $$\sqrt 2 + \sqrt 3$$ is irrational is that, supposing it is rational, its square should also be rational. But $$(\sqrt 2 + \sqrt 3)^2 = 5+2\sqrt6$$ is irrational because $$\sqrt 6$$ is irrational.

I would like to come up with a similar proof for $$\sqrt 6 - (\sqrt 2 + \sqrt 3)$$

#### tiny-tim

Homework Helper
II already know that $$\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3$$ is irrational (by squaring it).
Hi abruzzi!

How about squaring $$n+\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3$$, for some whole number n?

#### abruzzi

By taking n=-1 and squaring we get $$2\sqrt 6 - 2\sqrt 3 - 2\sqrt 2 + 6 = 6 + 2(\sqrt 6 -\sqrt 3-\sqrt 2)$$

But from this I cannot conclude anything - since knowing that number a is irrational doesn't mean that a^2 is (for example $$a=\sqrt 2$$).

Or am I not on the right path?

#### tiny-tim

Homework Helper
oops!

ooh, you're right!

ok, let's try this:

rational + irrational = irrational.

rational x irrational = irrational.

Suppose √6 - √3 - √2 is rational.

Then (1 +√3)(1 + √2) is irrational, because it is (1 + 2√6) - (√6 - √3 - √2).

But (1 - √3)(1 - √2) is rational, because it is 1 + (√6 - √3 - √2).

So the product (1 +√3)(1 + √2)(1 - √3)(1 - √2) is irrational.

But it isn't - it's 2.

#### mathwonk

Homework Helper
sqrt2 + sqrt3 = sqrt 6 + r, with r rational,

implies, by squaring both sides, that 1 + r^2 = (2-2r)sqrt6. which equates a rational and an irrational.

#### tiny-tim

Homework Helper
… mathwonk is cool …

ooh, mathwonk, that's much better!

#### abruzzi

That was exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

#### lurflurf

Homework Helper
Much nicer than mine
let x=√6-√3-√2
x³-3x²-15x-3=4√2
->x is irrational
or
let y=√323-√19-√17
y³-19y²-393y+4883=72√17
->y is irrational
mathwonks works for that too
√323=(297+y²)/(2-2y)
->y is irrational
just two was of writing m√ab
one in Z[√a,√b]
one in the field of fractions
the fraction sure give nice numbers though

#### Alex48674

Well I think if you can prove that any one of the terms is irrational, which should be easy, and if the number subtracted by it will be irrational, unless the number you subtract by is the same number or follows the same irrational pattern, which would be quite hard as it is impossible to find a pattern, thus if you were to subtract 2 irrational numbers, there should be an infinite probability that they will be irrational and rational =\.

for example you have an irrational number

.342526524525352325........n where n are the rest of the terms
-.1412413431413........n then the 2 n's would cause repeating zeros, thus being rational.

Just bringing up irrat-irrat

But there is no way to prove that at some point the rest of the digits would be the same (aka n), yet as it goes on for ever it could happen. Very weird little thing infinity =P, I'm in very low level maths, and I just wanted to contribute so this is all I could think of =], I'm sure there is a clever way to prove it though.

### Physics Forums Values

We Value Quality
• Topics based on mainstream science
• Proper English grammar and spelling
We Value Civility
• Positive and compassionate attitudes
• Patience while debating
We Value Productivity
• Disciplined to remain on-topic
• Recognition of own weaknesses
• Solo and co-op problem solving