# Prove sqrt(50) irrational

• Aug 12th 2009, 01:23 PM
Rapid_W
Prove sqrt(50) irrational
Just a little queations really

$\sqrt{50} = 5\times\sqrt{2}$

Now i can prove that $\sqrt{2}$ is irrational, can i just say that $5\times\sqrt{2}$ is irrational with no extra proof?
• Aug 12th 2009, 01:38 PM
alunw
I'd be convinced, but it is perhaps even more obvious if you do things the other way around. If $\surd 50$ were rational then you would have $\surd 2$ = $\frac{\surd 50}{5}$ so that then $\surd 2$ would be rational as well.
• Aug 12th 2009, 01:39 PM
red_dog
Suppose that $5\sqrt{2}$ is rational.

Then $5\sqrt{2}=q, \ q\in\mathbb{Q}\Rightarrow \sqrt{2}=\frac{q}{5}\in\mathbb{Q}$, contradiction. Therefore, the supposition is false and $5\sqrt{2}$ is irational.
• Aug 12th 2009, 01:46 PM
Rapid_W
Quote:

Originally Posted by red_dog
Suppose that $5\sqrt{2}$ is rational.

Then $5\sqrt{2}=q, \ q\in\mathbb{Q}\Rightarrow \sqrt{2}=\frac{q}{5}\in\mathbb{Q}$, contradiction. Therefore, the supposition is false and $5\sqrt{2}$ is irational.

i don't really understand this, can you add a few more words explaining please

edit-ignore this question, i just reread it a few times and it makes complete sense now thanks!