"rationalize" the denominator rather than the numerator

  • Thread starter powp
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In summary, to simplify expressions with radicals, rationalizing the denominator is typically preferred. In the case of \frac{\sqrt{x}+1}{\sqrt{x}-1}, we can rationalize the denominator to get \frac{(1+\sqrt{x})^2}{x-1}. Additionally, for the expression \sqrt{x}(\sqrt{x}+1)(2\sqrt{x}-1), we can simplify further to get 2x \sqrt{x}+x- \sqrt{x}.
  • #1
powp
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Hello All

I get to thrown off when there is a question with radicals . Can you please help

Simplify the following

[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x} + 1}{\sqrt{x} - 1}[/tex]


and Preform the indicated operations and simplfy


[tex]\sqrt{x}(\sqrt{x} + 1)(2\sqrt{x}-1)[/tex]

Thanks

P
 
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  • #2
the first:

[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x} + 1}{\sqrt{x} - 1}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{(\sqrt{x} + 1)(\sqrt{x} - 1)}{(\sqrt{x} - 1)(\sqrt{x} - 1)}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{x-1}{x -2 \sqrt{x} +1}[/tex]

the second:

[tex]\sqrt{x}(\sqrt{x} + 1)(2\sqrt{x}-1)[/tex]

[tex]\sqrt{x}(2x+ \sqrt{x}-1)[/tex]

[tex]2x \sqrt{x}+x- \sqrt{x}[/tex]
 
  • #3
I would have been inclined to "rationalize" the denominator rather than the numerator:
[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x}+1}{\sqrt{x}-1}= \frac{(\sqrt{x}+1)(\sqrt{x}+1)}{(\sqrt{x}-1})(\sqrt{x}+1)}= \frac{x+ 2\sqrt{x}+1}{x-1}[/tex]
 
  • #4
thanks that's the answers I got but was not sure

When would you "rationalize" the denominator over the numerator or the other way around.
 
  • #5
Generally simplified form means always "rationalizing" the denominator. Also you can simplify a little bit more. [tex] \frac{x+ 2\sqrt{x}+1}{x-1} = \frac{ (1+\sqrt{x})^2}{x-1}[/tex]
 

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