Question

Rationalize the denominator of the fraction: √5/√8 - √3

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Remark

The editor must have brackets put around the denominator when there are 2 terms.

That means I think the question is (√5) / (√8 - √3). If this is incorrect, leave a note.

To rationalize the denominator, you must multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate  (√8 + √3).

Solution

√5 *  (√8 - √3) /  ( (√8 - √3) *  (√8 + √3)  )  

I don't think there is any point in removing the brackets in the numerator. Just leave it.

The denominator is a different matter.

denominator = ( (√8 - √3) *  (√8 + √3)  )

√8 * √8 = 8

√8 * √3 = √24

- √3 * √8 = - √24

-√3 * √3 = - 3

Take a close look at the 2 middle terms. They cancel out because one of them is plus and the other minus.

What you are left with is 8 - 3 = 5

So the final answer is

√5 *  (√8 - √3)

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5