Rationalizing the denominator involving more than one square root

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of rationalizing the denominator in expressions involving multiple square roots and cube roots, specifically the expressions \(\frac{1}{2+7\sqrt{2}+5\sqrt{3}}\) and \(\frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{2}+1}\). Participants are exploring methods to simplify these types of expressions without seeking complete solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks suggestions on how to rationalize denominators with multiple roots, expressing uncertainty due to a gap in recent math education. Some participants suggest a two-step approach for the first problem and a specific expansion for the second problem, while others discuss the application of algebraic identities related to cubes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively sharing ideas and methods for rationalizing the denominators. Some guidance has been provided, particularly regarding the use of algebraic identities and the process of simplifying the expressions step by step. There is an acknowledgment of corrections made in the discussion, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify concepts.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of recent math classes, which may contribute to their uncertainty. There is also a reference to typical methods of rationalization, suggesting that participants are considering standard techniques while addressing specific complexities in the problems presented.

SwimmingGoat
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Here's my problems:
How might you "rationalize the denominator" if the expression is \frac{1}{2+7√2+5√3} or \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{2}+1}?
I know that in typical problems where we rationalize the denominator, we simply have to multiply the denominator and numerator by the conjugate of the denominator. For example, if the denominator were 2+√5, I'd simply multiply the top and bottom by 2-√5.
I haven't been in any math classes for two years, and I'm taking my final math course, and I simply don't remember how to do things like this! I'm not looking for someone to solve the whole thing, but I need suggestions or ideas on how I can solve these problems... Thank you so much for your help in advance!
 
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You can solve the first problem in two steps - rationalize away one root, simplify, then get rid of the other root.

The second problem needs a clever choice for an expansion.
What you need as result is something like ##\sqrt[3]{2}^3+1## (=3), and this can be written as ##\sqrt[3]{2}^3+1 = (\sqrt[3]{2}+1) \cdot x## where you have to find x. Expand the fraction with x, and you get a nice denominator.
 
Thank you so much for your help! For the second one, I applied your idea with the fact that a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab-b^2). I let a=1and b=\sqrt[3]{2}.
 
SwimmingGoat said:
Thank you so much for your help! For the second one, I applied your idea with the fact that a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab-b^2). I let a=1and b=\sqrt[3]{2}.

Correctly: a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)

ehild
 
Whoops! Thanks for catching that.
 
SwimmingGoat said:
Here's my problems:
How might you "rationalize the denominator" if the expression is \frac{1}{2+7√2+5√3}?
Do what you usually do. First multiply numerator and denominator by 2+7√2-5√3. This will get rid of the square root of 3 in the denominator, and leave only a term with the square root of 2 in the denominator. Then multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of that.
 

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