Question

1 OVER 5+√16
What does this simplify to?

Answer 1

but wouldnt you multiply both sides not just by √16 but by 5+√16?

Answer 2

you need to evaluate the denominator

\[\frac{1}{5 + \sqrt{16}} = \]

Answer 3

that results in rationalising the denominator and you actually multiply by

\[\frac{5 - \sqrt{16}}{5 - \sqrt{16}}\]

this will result in the denominator becoming the difference of 2 squares and hence a rational number

\[\frac{1}{5 + \sqrt{16}} \times \frac{ 5 - \sqrt{16}}{5 - \sqrt{16}}\]

which yeilds the same answer as shown above

Answer 4

I am soo confused. how does 5-√16 Over 9 EQUAL 1/9?

Answer 5

ok so the denominator becomes

25 - 16 = 9

the numberator is \[1 \times ( 5 - \sqrt{16}) = 1 \times ( 5 - 4) = 1\]

so you end up with

1/9

Answer 6

the denominator when multiplied is

\[5^2 - (\sqrt{16})^2 = 25 - 16\]

Answer 7

okay thanks, what about 3+√7 OVER 2-√10?
Would it equal 5+√7 OVER -8?