How do you rationalise the denominator?

If a denominator is has just one square root (i.e 1/(3)^0.5). Then, since it is a fraction you can multiply top and bottom by the same number and maintain the value of the fraction. Hence we multiply top and bottom by the square root in the denominator,(in previous example we would use (3)^0.5). Then using the rules of roots we now have a rational denominator. If denominator has more than 1 part to it (i.e 1/(1+(5)^0.5)) then we must be more clever. Recall difference of 2 squares, (x+y)(x-y)=x^2-y^2, hence if either x or y were square roots then, the answer would be rational. So now consider1/((1+(5)^0.5) is the denominator, by multiplying top and bottom by (1-(5)^0.5) we have rationalised the denominator since we get (1-(5)^0.5)/(1-5)= (1-(5)^0.5)/(-4)

Answered by Natasha A. Maths tutor

3514 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the equation: 2x^2 + 3x = 14.


A ladder 5.5m long is leaning against a wall. the foot of the ladder is 1.7m away from the wall. how far up the wall does the ladder reach?


When will I use this in my everyday life?


We have 2 spinners: spinner A and spinner B. Spinner A can land on 2, 3, 5 or 7. Spinner B can land on 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. Spin both. Win if one spinner lands on odd and the other lands on even. Play game twice, what is the probability of winning both games?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences