SOLUTION: rationalize the denominators: Can you explain how to do this? What steps to follow? 5 sqrt 2 - sq rt 5 (numerator) 5 sqrt 2 + sq rt 5 (denominator)

If you need immediate math help from PAID TUTORS right now, click here. (paid link)
Click here to see ALL problems on Radicals

Question 108004: rationalize the denominators: Can you explain how to do this? What steps to follow?
5 sqrt 2 - sq rt 5 (numerator)
5 sqrt 2 + sq rt 5 (denominator)
Answer by stanbon(48535) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
5 sqrt 2 - sq rt 5 (numerator)
5 sqrt 2 + sq rt 5 (denominator)
---------------------------------
Multiply numerator and denominator by (5sqrt2 - sqrt5) to get:
Numerator: [5sqrt2 - sqrt5]^2
Denominator: (25*2)-5
---------------------------
Numerator: 25*2 +5 - 10sqrt(10)
Denominator: 45
-----------
Numerator: 55 - 10sqrt(10)
Denominator: 45
---------------------
Reduce to get:
= [11-2sqrt(10)]/9
=================
Cheers,
Stan H.