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Rational Roots

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow starYellow star
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In this problem you are given that $a$, $b$ and $c$ are natural numbers. You have to show that if $\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}$ is rational then it is a natural number.

You could use the fact that if $\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}$ is rational then so is its square which means that $\sqrt ab $ is also rational. Knowing this the next step is to use $$\sqrt{a}(\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}) = a+\sqrt{ab}$$ to show that $\sqrt a$ is rational and to do likewise for $b$.

This is all you need because it has been proved that if $\sqrt a$ is rational then $a$ must be a square number.

Try to apply this method and then to extend it to three variables for the last part.

 

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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