Thread: simple surd thing

explain why 1/((sqrt3)-1) = 1/((sqrt3)-1) x ((sqrt3) +1)/((sqrt3) +1)
i think the obvious answer is that ((sqrt3) +1)/((sqrt3) +1) = 1 but i dont know if thats the answer im supposed to be looking for...

Originally Posted by furor celtica

explain why 1/((sqrt3)-1) = 1/((sqrt3)-1) x ((sqrt3) +1)/((sqrt3) +1)
i think the obvious answer is that ((sqrt3) +1)/((sqrt3) +1) = 1 but i dont know if thats the answer im supposed to be looking for...

That's exactly the reason. If you multiply a number by 1, you get what you started with.

And from here, you can rationalise the denominator.

Either that or:

hahaha the whole time i was thinking 'damn i need to find something more complicated'
thanks guys