SOLUTION: how do you solve this expression withouta calculator 1\(3-root2) + 1/(3+root2) im getting zero but its not the answer when i punch it into my calculator

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Question 434681: how do you solve this expression withouta calculator
1\(3-root2) + 1/(3+root2)
im getting zero but its not the answer when i punch it into my calculator
Found 2 solutions by solver91311, htmentor:
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


You are adding two fractions. In order to add fractions they have to have the same denominator. Your two fractions have different denominators so you have to find a common denominator. Since neither of your given denominators have any factors in common, the common denominator is simply the product of the two denominators. Since the two denominators are a conjugate pair, the product is the difference of two squares:



So apply the common denominator:




John

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Answer by htmentor(1343) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1%2F%283-sqrt%282%29%29+%2B+1%2F%283%2Bsqrt%282%29%29
With a common denominator, the two terms can be written:

Combine terms in the numerator, and mulitply using FOIL in the denominator:
%283%2Bsqrt%282%29+%2B+3-sqrt%282%29%29%2F%289+-+2%29 = 6/7 = 0.8571