rational numbers and irrational numbers when involving a square root? do you find the square root of a number and then convert it to a fraction to figure out if its rational or irrational? Am I going in the right direction. I was looking at my book but it didn't really explain about the square roots?

Question

rational numbers and irrational numbers when involving a square root?  do you find the square root of a number and then convert it to a fraction to figure out if its rational or irrational?  Am I going in the right direction.  I was looking at my book but it didn't really explain about the square roots?

anonymous · Answer

for a equation like ax^2+bx+c=0
if b^2-4ac>=0 that the square is rational
 b^2-4ac<0  is irrational

anonymous · Answer

wow.  not that far yet.  o.k. lkie the square root of 36 how do you determine if it is rational or irrational.  I'm in the 6th and you lost me.  I understand the square root is 6 but how do you determine if it is rational.  37 is 6.08276 not repeating does that mean its not rational or do I put it in a fractiona and multipy or divide the numerator or denominator like the book says?

anonymous · Answer

Square roots of natural numbers that are not perfect squares are always irrational numbers.
So 36 is 6*6, a perfect square. 37 is not, so irrational.

anonymous · Answer

o.k.  thank-you.  now that makes sense.  i guess i was making it harder than i needed too..

anonymous · Answer

ur welcome.