Question
upstudy study bank question image url

17. Given that and are irrational numbers, show that the following are irrational numbers:

Ask by Delgado Turnbull. in Zambia
Mar 27,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer


  1. is irrational.
  2. is irrational.
  3. is irrational.
  4. is irrational.

Solution

Let’s solve the problems step by step.

Problem 16: Absolute Values

We need to find the absolute values for the following expressions:

(i)

The absolute value of a positive number is the number itself:

(ii)

The absolute value of a negative number is its positive counterpart:

(iii)

First, calculate :
Now, take the absolute value:

(iv)

First, we need to find a common denominator to subtract the fractions. The least common multiple of 7 and 8 is 56.
Convert each fraction:
Now, subtract:
Taking the absolute value:

(v)

Calculate the absolute values:
Now substitute:

Summary of Absolute Values


Problem 17: Showing Irrationality

We need to show that the following numbers are irrational:

(i)

Assume is rational, then it can be expressed as where and are integers. This implies:
Squaring both sides gives:
This means is even, hence is even. Let :
Thus, is even, so is even. This contradicts the assumption that and are coprime. Therefore, is irrational.

(ii)

Assume is rational, then:
Squaring both sides:
Since is rational, must be rational, which is a contradiction. Thus, is irrational.

(iii)

Assume is rational:
Squaring gives:
The discriminant is not a perfect square, hence is irrational. Therefore, is irrational.

(iv)

Assume is rational:
Squaring gives:
The discriminant is not a perfect square, hence is irrational. Therefore, is irrational.

Summary of Irrational Numbers

  1. is irrational.

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

The Deep Dive

The absolute values you asked about are quite straightforward! For (i) , since it’s already positive. (ii) reflects that a negative number’s absolute is its positive counterpart. For (iii) , the difference here is negative, but we take its absolute value. Lastly, for (iv) . Exciting, isn’t it?
Now onto the irrational numbers! For (i), is irrational because a rational number multiplied by an irrational number (like ) results in an irrational number. For (ii), cannot simplify to a rationals as that would lead to contradictions with the properties of irrationals. The same goes for (iii) and (iv) ; neither can be expressed as a fraction of two integers. So irrational fun all around!

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy