Proving the Equality of Two Fractions Using Algebra

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equality of two fractions involving square roots and algebraic manipulation. The original poster is attempting to show that the expression involving the square roots of ratios of variables \(N_A\) and \(N_D\) is equal to a fraction involving their sum and product.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to square the expression to simplify it, but suspects an algebraic mistake in their calculations. Some participants suggest alternative algebraic manipulations, such as multiplying by appropriate terms to facilitate simplification.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the algebraic steps taken by the original poster, identifying potential errors and suggesting different approaches. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the algebra involved without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the algebraic steps taken, particularly in finding common denominators and simplifying expressions. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their approach and seeks assistance in identifying mistakes.

Kara386
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Homework Statement


This is something I need to show in order to solve the question I've been asked. I need to show that
##\sqrt{\frac{N_A}{N_D} } + \sqrt{\frac{N_D}{N_A} } = \frac{N_A + N_B}{\sqrt{N_A N_B}}##
I know these two sides are equal because wolfram alpha says they are, and also because it works if I sub that into my proof. But I'm doing something really really really stupid I think, because I can't get there.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it might be easiest to square this and simplify, then square root. So
##(\sqrt{\frac{N_A}{N_D} } + \sqrt{\frac{N_D}{N_A} })^2 = \frac{N_A}{N_D} + 2\sqrt{\frac{N_A N_B}{N_A N_B}} + \frac{N_D}{N_A}##
I suspect that's the step that's wrong but I don't know why. Carrying on anyway:
##= \frac{N_A}{N_D} + \frac{N_D}{N_A} + 2##
Finding a common denominator:

##= \frac{N_A N_D + N_D N_A + 2N_A N_D}{N_A N_D}##
Then finally square rooting again:
##=2##
So that's very different to what I'm after and there is some really awful algebra mistake in there. Unfortunately I can't find it, any help would be very much appreciated! :)
 
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Oh yes, that is me being pretty stupid. Could just multiply first term by ##\frac{N_A}{N_A}## and the second term by ##\frac{N_D}{N_D}##, then:
##\sqrt{\frac{N_A^2}{N_A N_D}} + \sqrt{\frac{N_D^2}{N_A N_D} }= \frac{N_A}{\sqrt{N_A N_D}} + \frac{N_D}{\sqrt{N_A N_D}}##
 
Kara386 said:
Finding a common denominator
leads to ##N_A^2 + 2N_A N_D + N_D^2 \over N_A N_D## :rolleyes:
 
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BvU said:
leads to ##N_A^2 + 2N_A N_D + N_D^2 \over N_A N_D## :rolleyes:
Ah, that too! :smile: Oops! Thank you, I was never going to get that.
 

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