SOLUTION: Please rationalize the denominator and simplify. (b)/((sqrt(b^2-16))-b) Thanks.

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: Please rationalize the denominator and simplify. (b)/((sqrt(b^2-16))-b) Thanks.      Log On


   

Question 768314: Please rationalize the denominator and simplify.
(b)/((sqrt(b^2-16))-b)
Thanks.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
b%2F%28sqrt%28b%5E2-16%29-b%29
You showed an extra pair of parentheses unneeded.
The simple trick is multiply numerator and denominator by sqrt(b^2-16)+b. You will produce difference of squares in the denominator.
%28b%2Asqrt%28b%5E2-16%29%2Bb%29%2F%28b%5E2-16-b%5E2%29
highlight%28%28b%2Asqrt%28b%5E2-16%29%2Bb%29%2F%28-16%29%29