SOLUTION: I am comfused on how to solve this problem: 2 ____ √3 +1 Thanks

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Question 32286: I am comfused on how to solve this problem:
2
____
√3 +1

Thanks
Answer by mbarugel(146) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hello!
This appears to be a "rationalize the denominator" problem, as there is nothing else to solve in the expression you provide. You have:
2%2F%28sqrt%283%29%2B1%29
You can now use the following rule
%28a%2Bb%29%28a-b%29=a%5E2-b%5E2
So, multiply your expression by %28sqrt%283%29-1%29%2F%28sqrt%283%29-1%29 (this doesn't affect it, as it's the same as multiplying it by 1.)
2%2F%28sqrt%283%29%2B1%29%2A%28sqrt%283%29-1%29%2F%28sqrt%283%29-1%29
But using the above rule, this expression becomes:
2%2A%28sqrt%283%29-1%29%2F%28sqrt%283%29%5E2+-+1%5E2%29
2%2A%28sqrt%283%29-1%29%2F%283+-+1%29
2%2A%28sqrt%283%29-1%29%2F2
sqrt%283%29-1
So your expression becomes simply sqrt%283%29-1

I hope this helps!
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