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)

NA
Answered by Natasha A. Maths tutor

4029 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Northern Bank has two types of account. Both accounts pay compound interest. Cash savings account: Interest 2.5% per annum Shares account: Interest 3.5% per annum Ali invests £2000 in the cash savings account. Ben invests £1600 in the shares account.


By completing the square, find the solutions of x which satisfy the equation x^2+14x-1=0


given that (x+8)^2-62=ax^2+bx+c find the values of a,b and c (3 marks)


If an equation of a line is y=2x+4 and it crosses the x axis at point R, what is the value of x?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning