Simplifying an Expression: $\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2} / \sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression $\frac{\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}}$. Participants explore methods for rationalizing the denominator and numerator, examining the steps involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the expression $\frac{\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}}$ and suggests rationalizing the denominator.
  • Another participant provides a general method for rationalizing the denominator using the identity $\frac{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}$ and derives a formula involving $a$ and $b$.
  • There is mention of an expression being equal to $5 + 2\sqrt{6}$ and $1/(5 - 2\sqrt{6})$, but the derivation of this result is questioned.
  • Participants discuss the steps needed to rationalize both the numerator and the denominator, but no specific consensus on the final form is reached.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the simplification of the expression, and multiple approaches to rationalization are presented without agreement on the final result.

Contextual Notes

Some participants assume certain forms of the expression and methods without confirming their applicability to the specific case discussed. There are unresolved steps in the derivation of the expressions mentioned.

prasadini
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\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2} / \sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}
 
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Hello and welcome to MHB, prasadini! (Wave)

I've moved your thread to a more fitting area. :D

So, we are given the expressions (I assume):

$$\frac{\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}}$$

I assume you are to rationalize the denominator...what form of $1$ do we need to multiply this expression by to accomplish this?
 
MarkFL said:
Hello and welcome to MHB, prasadini! (Wave)

I've moved your thread to a more fitting area. :D

So, we are given the expressions (I assume):

$$\frac{\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}}$$

I assume you are to rationalize the denominator...what form of $1$ do we need to multiply this expression by to accomplish this?

$$\frac{\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}}$$

is equal to



5+2√6 and 1 /5−2√6 How can i get this answer
 
prasadini said:
$$\frac{\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}}$$

is equal to



5+2√6 and 1 /5−2√6 How can i get this answer

Well, suppose we are given:

$$\frac{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b}}$$

a) To rationalize the denominator, we would do the following:

$$\frac{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}=\frac{(\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b})^2}{a-b}=\frac{a+2\sqrt{ab}+b}{a-b}=\frac{a+b}{a-b}+\frac{2}{a-b}\sqrt{ab}$$

b) To rationalize the numerator, we would do the following:

$$\frac{\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b}}=\frac{a-b}{a-2\sqrt{ab}+b}=\frac{a-b}{a+b-2\sqrt{ab}}$$

Can you use these techniques to rationalize the denominator and numerator of the given expression?
 

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