Proofing: sqrt(7+sqrt(48))+(sqrt(7-sqrt(48))=4

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The discussion centers on proving that the expression (sqrt(7+sqrt(48))) + (sqrt(7-sqrt(48))) equals 4 without manipulating the right side of the equation. Participants suggest squaring the left-hand side to simplify the expression, using techniques like Fermat's squaring method. The simplification leads to the equation x² = 16, confirming that x = 4. There is a focus on maintaining the integrity of the equation while manipulating only the left side. The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment of the solution and the challenges faced in the process.
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i need help proving that



(sqrt(7+sqrt(48)))+(sqrt(7-sqrt(48))) = 4

the limitations are that you cannot manipulate the right side...only the left..

so basically, i need help simplifying the left down to be 4

thanks..
 
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Square the lhs.

Hint:
(a+b)(a-b) = (a² - b²)
 
Try multiplying the left by (sqrt(7 + sqrt(48))-(sqrt(7-sqrt(48)) on itself. Since that's 1, you won't be changing the value, but you'll find a few things simplifying.
 
yea, i did that already, but the problem is, then i have complex radical denomintaors...
 
You should use Fermat's squaring technique.
 
wait a sec, what is the lhc...to not change the value, wouldn't i have to multiply it over itself if i wanted to get teh a^2 -B^2?

can you clarify what you mean?
 
Simplify the expression:
(\sqrt{7+\sqrt{48}}+\sqrt{7-\sqrt{48}})^{2}
 
that would change the value...i would have to also square the 4 on the right side...which is against the rules of the problem
 
Dwellerofholes said:
that would change the value...i would have to also square the 4 on the right side...which is against the rules of the problem
No.

Define "x" as follows:
x=\sqrt{7+\sqrt{48}}+\sqrt{7-\sqrt{48}}
Hence, we have:
x^{2}=(\sqrt{7+\sqrt{48}}+\sqrt{7-\sqrt{48}})^{2}
That is:
x^{2}=7+\sqrt{48}+2\sqrt{(\sqrt{7+\sqrt{48}})(\sqrt{7-\sqrt{48}})}+7-\sqrt{48}
that simplified reads:
x^{2}=14+2\sqrt{49-48}=14+2*1=16
 
  • #10
ok, thanks dude...i got as far as your third step before i realized that you posted again...i realized my error...

thanks for the great help guys!
 
  • #11
just do the whole squaring thing, and instead of having 4^2 put it all under a radical ... that way you get sqrt ( 16) = 4 .. which is true to some extent, because -4^2 = 16 as well ..

... i hate that little thing so much
 
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