Thread: Simplify and Rationalize

Question: For x>0, simplify the following:


Hint: If x<0, what is :

Originally Posted by mvho

3). Rationalise the denominator, then simplify:m-4/ sq. root m-4

My Answer:

I take the conjugate which is : sq. root m +4, so my denominator ends up being just m-4. Is my top: Sq root m -16?

So:

Sq. Root m-16/m-4?
Thannks!

No, rationalizing the denominator doesn't mean multiplying by a conjugate. You just multiply the numerator & denominator by the denominator itself:








I didn't do #1 or #2 because I couldn't figure out what your problems were. Can you use the math tags or put in some parentheses?


01

Er i am assuming that the square root applies to only

1.







lol think so

Hmm... The square root for question #3, ends at the m. Ill have to find out how to use math tags.

Any links to learn how to use math tags? I need that sq. root symbol!

Originally Posted by mvho

Hmm... The square root for question #3, ends at the m. Ill have to find out how to use math tags.

Please do! So you mean
?
Then yes, you would multiply by the conjugate:



Dunno if it's necessary to FOIL the numerator. There's nothing else to simplify that I can see.


01

yeongil: Thats right. That is what I got too. How do yo use these math tags though? Is there a FAQ somewhere?

Er i am assuming that the square root applies to only

The square root applies to the entire numerator. I need to learn about these math tags!!

Originally Posted by mvho

yeongil: Thats right. That is what I got too. How do yo use these math tags though? Is there a FAQ somewhere?



The square root applies to the entire numerator. I need to learn about these math tags!!

http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...-tutorial.html

the file attached there should explain everything.

Thanks for the link! I have revised my question now, so it Should be much clearer.

I am unclear what the hint is implying, does anyone have a clue?

Here is my answer:





I know I can simplify further (difference of squares) but this looks neater and I m done fooling around with latex for 1 day