SOLUTION: simplify: sqrt (4) / (5) a) 2 sqrt (5)/5 b) 2 sqrt (5) c) sqrt (5) d) 2

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: simplify: sqrt (4) / (5) a) 2 sqrt (5)/5 b) 2 sqrt (5) c) sqrt (5) d) 2      Log On


   

Question 315589: simplify: sqrt (4) / (5)
a) 2 sqrt (5)/5
b) 2 sqrt (5)
c) sqrt (5)
d) 2
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
sqrt%284%2F5%29

First, you can simplify this by writing it:
%28sqrt%284%29%29%2F%28sqrt%285%29%29
2%2F%28sqrt%285%29%29

In order to rationalize the denominator (get rid of the radicals in the denominator!) you must multiply numerator and denominator by sqrt%285%29.
%282%2F%28sqrt%285%29%29%29%2A%28%28sqrt%285%29%29%2F%28sqrt%285%29%29%29
%282%2Asqrt%285%29%29%2F5

I have a much more complete explanation of this Rationalizing Denominators on my own website. To find my website, click on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. Click on my website address on this information page, and on my Homepage, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time". Choose "Intermediate Algebra" and look in Chapter 3 for Section 3.04 Rationalizing Denominators.

There is also a video on this topic of me teaching one of my classes a few years ago before I retired. To see the video, from my Homepage, click on "Rapalje Videos in Living Color." You may have to download RealPlayer if you do not have it already, but it is a FREE download, and the video is also FREE. NOTHING on my website is for sale--it's all free!

By the way, I have almost everything on my website (free!), so if you need help finding anything, just send me an Email--my Email address is at the bottom of every page of the website.

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus