Prove by contradiction that 2^(1/3) is an irrational number

Assume 2^(1/3) is rational, so can be written as p/q where p and q are integers with no common factors. p/q = 2^(1/3) (p^3)/(q^3) = 2 p^3 = 2q^3 Hence, p is even. Thus, p can be written as 2r, where r is an integer. p^3 = (2r)^3 = 2q^3 8r^3 = 2q^3 4r^3 = q^3 Hence, q is even. Therefore, p and q have common factor 2, which is a contradiction.

Answered by Oscar R. Maths tutor

9861 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

how find dy/dx of parametric equations.


Given that cos(x) = 1/4, what is cos(2x)?


What is the coefficient of the x^3 term in the binomial expansion of (2x+(1/3x^2))^9


f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 + 5. Find f''(x)


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