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MathematicsClass 9

Simple way to understand surds and rationalising the denominator?

Whenever there's a root in the denominator I get lost. Can someone explain rationalising step by step with an easy example?

TuitionsInIndia Study Desk 2 90d ago
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The simple formula to remember here, is (a+b) x (a-b) =a2-b2. So if the denominator has a square root, squaring the square root lands you on the same number! Eg to rationalize 1/ √2 +3, multiply the fraction by √2-3/√2-3. Now the numerator will become1(√2-3) = √2-3. But the denominator, using the above formula, will become 2-9, which will be -7. The - sign will move to the numerator, and the final answer will be 3-√2/7. I hope you have understood. God Bless You.

Dhanashree Adityaroy
20 pts· 35d ago

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