Proving 13 + 2√6 is an Irrational Number with Proof by Contradiction

Brooke73
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Homework Statement



Prove or disprove the statement:
13 + 2√6 is an irrational number
Given that √6 is irrational


Homework Equations



Rational number = p/q where p and q are integers

The Attempt at a Solution


Assume that 13 + 2√6 is a rational number
Rational number = p/q where p and q are integers
Let 13 = n where n is an integer
Let 2√6 = x
x + n = p/q
x = ( p/q) – n
x = (p – qn)/q
We have shown that x can be expressed as a ratio of two integers. This is a contradiction because we know that x is irrational. Therefore, the statement: 13 + 2√6 is an irrational number is proven true.
 
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Correct idea, but x = 2√6, and you are given that √6 is irrational.
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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