You can put this solution on YOUR website! Rationalizing denominators means to eliminate any irrational numbers (like square roots) from the denominator using proper Algebra! Your expression has a binomial (two term) denominator. To rationalize binomial denominators we use the following pattern: . This pattern shows how to take a two term expression, like (a+b) or (a-b), and make it turn into an expression of perfect squares, . Pairs of expressions like (a+b) and (a-b) are called conjugates. And when you multiply conjugates you get an expression containing nothing but perfect squares.
Let's use this on your problem:
Your denominator is of the form (a-b). So we will multiply the numerator and denominator by its conjugate, (a+b):
Using the distributive property on top and the pattern (or FOIL) on the bottom:
Simplifying:
(