Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Number
systems: the
Real Number
System
syllabus ref
efer
erence
ence
Core topic:
Real and complex number
systems
In this cha
chapter
pter
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F
1G
1H
1I
1J
1K
1L
1M
1N
Classification of numbers
Recurring decimals
Real and complex numbers
Surds: a subset of irrational
numbers
Simplifying surds
Addition and subtraction of
surds
Multiplication of surds
Division of surds
The Distributive Law
Rationalising denominators
Rationalising denominators
using conjugate surds
Further properties of real
numbers modulus
Solving equations using
absolute values
Solving inequations
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
Introduction
The number systems used today evolved from a basic and practical need of primitive
people to count and measure magnitudes and quantities such as livestock, people,
possessions, time and so on.
Early cultures and societies used their body parts, such as fingers and toes, as a basis
for their numeration systems. As the need for larger numbers grew, symbols were
developed to represent them. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used the symbol of the
lotus flower to represent the number 1000, and Romans used the letter M to represent
1000. Roman numerals can be seen today on some clock and watch faces. At the end of
movie credits Roman numerals are often used to indicate the year in which the movie
was made. For example, MCMXCIX represents the year 1999.
As societies grew and architecture and
engineering developed, number systems
became more sophisticated. Number use
developed from solely whole numbers to
fractions, decimals and irrational numbers.
We shall explore these different types
of numbers and classify them into their
specific groups.
Consider solutions to equations such as:
2x = 10, 3x = 15, 20x = 100
What do they have in common? Each
of the statements is true for a wholenumber value of x.
This type of equation represents many real-life situations; for example, how many
people will I need to collect $2 from to cover the cost of hiring a $10 game?
As you work through this chapter on the Real Number System and chapter 2 you will
be introduced to types of numbers that evolved to fill a need. The first types of numbers
to evolve were the whole numbers; this then is extended into the set of integers.
Irrational numbers I
(surds, non-terminating
and non-recurring
decimals, ,e)
Negative
Z
Rational numbers Q
Integers
Z
Zero
(neither positive
nor negative)
Non-integer rationals
(terminating and
recurring decimals)
Positive
Z+
(Natural
numbers N)
The set of real numbers contains a number of subsets which can be classified as shown
in the chart above.
3
=R
Q (Rational numbers)
Z (Integers)
N
(Natural
numbers)
I
(Irrational
numbers)
Integers (Z)
The set of integers consists of positive and negative whole numbers, and 0 (which is
neither positive nor negative). They are denoted by the letter Z and can be further
divided into subsets. That is:
Z = {. . . 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, . . .}
Z + = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . .}
Z = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . . .}
Positive integers are also known as natural numbers (or counting numbers) and are
denoted by the letter N. That is:
N = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . .}
Integers may be represented on the number line as illustrated below.
3 2 1 0 1 2 3 Z
The set of integers
Z 6 5 4 3 2 1
The set of negative integers
1 2 3 4 5 6 N
The set of positive integers
or natural numbers
Note: Integers on the number line are marked with a solid dot to indicate that they are
the only points in which we are interested.
Another type of equation is similar to
3x = 10
4x = 9
2x = 5,
and so on. In these equations the solution is not a whole number but a rational number.
Hence the need to further extend the number system.
2
--- ,
7
3
------ ,
10
9
--- ,
4
= 0.7,
1
--4
= 0.25,
5
--8
= 0.625,
9
--5
= 1.8
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
..
= 0.818 181 . . . or 0.8 1
.
= 0.833 333 . . . or 0.83
.
.
= 0.230 769 230 769 . . . or 0.2 30769
3.743 3
2 4
4 3 2 1
1
2
1.63
1
3.6
3 4Q
x2 = 5
x2 = 12
x2 = 2
where the solution to the first equation is 5 . The exact value of 5 can be plotted
on a number line by geometric construction but results in a decimal equivalent that is
non-terminating.
These decimals do not terminate, and the digits do not repeat themselves in any
particular pattern or order (that is, they are non-terminating and non-recurring).
Rational and irrational numbers belong to the
set of real numbers (denoted by the symbol R).
12
12 5
2
4
They can be positive, negative or 0. The real
numbers may be represented on a number line
as shown at right (irrational numbers above the
4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 R
line; rational numbers below it).
To classify a number as either rational or irrational:
1. Determine whether it can be expressed as a whole number, a fraction, or a
terminating or recurring decimal.
2. If the answer is yes, the number is rational; if the answer is no, the number is irrational.
Consider an isosceles right-angled triangle of side length 1 unit.
By Pythagoras Theorem, (OB)2 = (OA)2 + (AB)2; therefore the length of the
hypotenuse is 2 units.
By using a compass, we can transfer the length of the
B
hypotenuse OB to the number line (labelled C). This
2 units
distance can now be measured using a ruler. Although
1 unit
this distance will be inaccurate due to the equipment used,
A
C
O
there is an exact point on the number line for each
2 2 R
0 1 unit 1
irrational number.
This geometric model can be extended to any irrational
number in surd form.
(pi)
The symbol (pi) is used for a particular number; that is, the circumference of a circle
whose diameter length is 1 unit. It can be approximated as a decimal which is nonterminating and non-recurring. Therefore, is classified as an irrational number. (It is
also called a transcendental number and cannot be expressed as a surd.)
In decimal form, = 3.141 592 653 589 793 23 . . . It has been calculated to
29 000 000 (29 million) decimal places with the aid of a computer.
WORKED Example 1
Specify whether the following numbers are rational or irrational.
1
--4
16
11
d 2
e 0.28
THINK
a
b
1
--4
64
22
3 1
--8
WRITE
Evaluate
16 .
a
b
1
--4
is rational.
16 = 4
16 is rational.
16 .
Continued over page
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE
Evaluate
11 .
1
2
Evaluate
64 .
2 is irrational.
e 0.28 is rational.
64 = 4
64 is rational.
22 is irrational.
64 .
3
22 .
Evaluate
classify
g
11 is irrational.
11 .
22 .
3 1
--- .
8
Evaluate
3 1
--8
3 1
--8
is rational.
1
--2
remember
remember
a
1. Rational numbers can be expressed in the form --- , where a and b are integers
b
and b 0. They include whole numbers and terminating and recurring
decimals.
2. Rational numbers are denoted by the symbol Q.
a
3. Irrational numbers cannot be expressed in the form --- , where a and b are
b
integers and b 0. They may be expressed only as non-terminating and nonrecurring decimals.
4. Irrational numbers are denoted by the symbol I.
5. Rational and irrational numbers together constitute a set of real numbers,
denoted by the symbol R.
1A
WORKED
Example
Classification of numbers
1 Specify whether the following numbers are rational (Q) or irrational (I).
4
--5
7
--9
0.04
g 2 1--2-
14.4
1.44
k 2.4
25
-----9
u 81
z
100
2
9
--4
0.15
q 7.32
21
1000
v 3
1
-----16
62
0.0001
2
-----11
2 Specify whether the following numbers are rational (Q), irrational (I) or neither.
a
f
1
--8
3
6
------2
0
--0
81
g 11
21
--7
64
-----16
22
--------7
11
-----4
1.44
---------4
3
( 5 )2
625
( 2)
2
-----25
q
v
1.728
w 6 4
e 6 1--7-
0
--8
3
n ----11
27
j
o
8
--0
1
--------100
1
------4
4 6
3 multiple choice
Which of the following best represents a rational number?
A
4
--9
9
-----12
E none of these
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
4 multiple choice
Which of the following best represents an irrational number?
A 81
B 6--C 3 343
D 0.0676
5
22
5 multiple choice
Which of the following statements regarding the numbers 0.69, 7 , --3- , 49 is correct?
A
B
--3
C 0.69 and
D
7,
--3
and
B
C
D
99 is
624 ,
99 is a rational number.
624 and
Recurring decimals
A rational number may be converted to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the
denominator. The resulting decimal may be a terminating decimal containing a specific
number of digits, that is:
7
--5
= 1.4 or
1
--8
= 0.125
= 0.222 . . . or
7
-----13
For convenience, recurring decimals are represented by placing a dot over the
repeating digit, for example:
.
1. 0.777 777 7 . . . can be written as 0.7.
.
2. 0.26666 . . . can be written as 0.26.
If two or more digits repeat the same pattern, then dots or the overscore (
used as shown:
..
1. 0.454 545 . . . can be written as 1.4 5 or alternatively 0.45 .
.
.
2. 0.752 137 521 3 . . . can be written as 0.7 5213 or alternatively 0.75213 .
) are
Note: When using the overscore, place it over the whole pattern. The dots, however, are
placed over the first and the last digits only of the repeating pattern.
WORKED Example 2
State which of the following rational numbers can be expressed as recurring decimals.
a
2
-----27
5
--8
THINK
a
WRITE
2
-----27
To convert
2
3
Convert
5
--8
2
-----27
2
-----27
5
--8
= 0.625
5
--8
Whole numbers and terminating decimals such as 3, 0.25 and 6.731 can easily be
expressed as rational numbers. For example:
1. we may write 3 as
3
--1
25
--------100
1
--4
731
- or
3. we may write 6.731 as 6 ----------1000
6731
------------ .
1000
a
In each of these cases, the whole number and decimals are expressed in the form --- .
b
Recurring decimals are rational numbers. Therefore they can be converted to the
a
form --- .
b
10
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
WORKED Example 3
Express the following recurring decimals as rational numbers in their simplest form.
.
..
a 0.4
b 0.2 1
c 1.285
THINK
WRITE
a 1 Let x represent the recurring
a x = 0.444 444 . . .
[1]
decimal. This is equation [1].
10x = 4.444 444 . . .
[2]
2 We need to multiply both sides of the
equation by a power of 10. The number
of zeros in the power of 10 should be
equal to the number of repeated digits.
Since 1 digit is repeated, multiply both
sides of equation [1] by 10. Label the
new equation [2].
[2] [1]:
3 Subtract equation [1] from equation
[2]. This removes all the repeating
10x x = 4.444 444 . . . 0.444 444 . . .
digits from behind the decimal point.
9x = 4
9x 4
------ = --4 Divide both sides of the equation by 9.
9
9
4
x = --9
5 Verify the answer using a calculator
and. you will obtain the original value,
0.4.
b 1 Let x represent the recurring
b
x = 0.212 121 21 . . .
[1]
decimal. This is equation [1].
100x = 21.212 121 21 . . .
[2]
2 Since 2 digits are repeated, multiply
both sides of equation [1] by 100
and label the new equation [2].
[2] [1]:
3 Subtract equation [1] from equation
[2]. This removes all the repeating
100x x = 21.212 121 21 . . . 0.212 121 21 . . .
digits from behind the decimal point.
99x = 21
99x 21
--------- = -----4 Divide both sides of the equation
99
99
by 99.
21
x = -----99
7
x = -----5 Cancel down to the simplest form;
33
that is, divide through by 3.
[1]
[2]
THINK
WRITE
11
[2] [1]:
1000x x = 1285.285 285 285 . . .
1.285285285 . . .
999x = 1284
999x 1284
------------ = -----------999
999
1284
x = -----------999
428
x = --------333
The Maths Quest CD-ROM contains a file which allows you to convert numbers from
one form to another as a percentage, fraction or decimal.
cad
Math
Decimals
and
fractions
remember
remember
1. Rational numbers can be converted to decimals by dividing the numerator by
the denominator. The resulting decimal can be either terminating or recurring.
2. Terminating decimals contain a specific number of digits.
3. Recurring decimals contain a repeating digit or a repeating pattern of digits.
4. Recurring decimals are represented by placing dots over the first and the last
digits of the repeating pattern. Alternatively, an overscore can be placed over
the whole pattern that repeats.
5. Recurring decimals are rational numbers and may be expressed as a ratio of
two integers.
12
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
1B
WORKED
d
hca
Mat
Example
Decimals
and
fractions
1 State which of the following rational numbers can be expressed as recurring decimals.
1
6
a 1--8b 1--2c 1--3d ----e ----17
19
f
k
p
u
z
WORKED
Example
Recurring decimals
4
-----11
2
--3
2
-----31
8
-----17
7
-----55
g
l
q
v
5
--9
1
--6
2
--9
7
-----23
h
m
r
w
7
-----16
3
--4
41
--------333
7
-----15
i
n
s
x
9
-----25
3
-----13
5
--8
3
-----22
j
o
t
y
5
--7
5
-----21
17
-----18
7
-----33
2 Express
decimals. as rational numbers
. the following recurring
.
. in their simplest
. form.
a 0.2 .
b 0.7 .
c 0.8 .
d 0.5 .
e 0.4 .
f 0.16.
g 0.37
h 0.42
i 0.68
j 0.71. .
..
..
..
k 2.62
l
0.5
3
m
0.1
2
n
1.3
4
o 3.74
. .
. .
. .
. .
. 1.
p 0.3 61
q
0.4
27
r
0.52
13
s
0.3
23
t
3.4
.
.
..
.
. 56.
u 0.72
v
0.523
w
0.624
7
x
0.6234
y
1.2
68
.
.
z 0.1 53846
3 multiple choice
..
The recurring decimal 0.7 8 can be expressed as:
---------------C 77
A 71
B 78
99
90
90
71
-----99
78
-----99
527
--------990
532
--------990
4 multiple choice
..
The recurring decimal 0.53 2 can be expressed as:
------------------------A 266
C 532
B 479
495
999
900
5 multiple choice
1 4
------ , --- , --- is correct?
Which statement regarding the fractions 1--2- , 3--7- , 11
13 3 5
11
1 3
- are the only fractions which represent terminating decimals.
A --2- , --7- and ----13
B
C
D
E
3
1
--- and --- are the only fractions which represent terminating decimals.
7
3
3 11
1
--- , ------ and --- are fractions which represent recurring decimals.
7 13
3
11
1
------ and --- are the only fractions which represent recurring decimals.
13
3
1
4
--- and --- are fractions which represent recurring decimals.
2
5
6 multiple choice
. .
The recurring decimal 0.369 can be expressed in its simplest form as the following fraction:
407
41
-------------------D ------------------C 123
B 3663
E -------A 369
1100
333
111
9900
999
7 Irene and Bella are arguing about the correct way of writing the recurring decimal
0.020 20 . . . . Irene says it should be written as 0.020, while Bella thinks it is 0.020.
Which of the girls is right?
13
WORKED Example 4
12
13
p
-------Classify each of the following elements of the set 5, ----2 , 3.9, 2 , 23 , 5 into the
smallest subset in which they belong, using Q, I, Z, Z + and Z .
THINK
WRITE
(a) Change
13
-----2
into a decimal.
5 Z+
13
-----2
13
-----2
= 6.5
Q
3.9 Q
------ .
(a) Simplify 12
2
------ = 6
12
2
------ Z
12
2
23 I
--- I
5
So far we have considered the set of real numbers and its subsets. However, there is
another set of numbers called complex numbers.
Consider the example of the equation x2 + 1 = 0. There are no solutions for x in the
Real Number System as the equation becomes x = 1 and there is no real number
which, when squared, gives 1 as a result. The concept of an imaginary number,
denoted by i where i 2 = 1, was introduced to overcome this problem. This means that
x = 1 becomes x = i 2 = i.
So x2 + 1 = 0 has no solutions in the Real Number System but has the solutions
x = i and x = i in the Complex Number System. Some other examples of complex
numbers are 5i, 12i, 5 + 2i, 15 8i. More work involving complex numbers will be
undertaken in chapter 2.
14
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
2 and
5 ) on a number line.
1 + 1.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
If a second right-angled
triangle (of height 1 cm)
were constructed on this
hypotenuse, what would
be the length of its
hypotenuse?
3
2
Step 5
15
Place value
The place value system was introduced as a means of recording numbers.
Look at the number 285. In our numeration system the base 10 (decimal)
system we interpret the number 285 (base 10) or 28510 as:
plus 2 lots of 100 or
2 102
plus 8 lots of 10
or
8 101
plus 5 lots of 1
or
5 100
Using the base 5 system
Numbers in the base 5 system use the
digits 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 only. The number
285 (base 10) can be written as a base
5 number in the following way:
2 lots of 125 or 2 53
plus 1 lot of 25 or 1 52
plus 2 lots of 5 or 2 51
plus 0 lots of 1 or 0 50
So 28510 = 21205
16
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
Binary systems
As the name suggests, this numeration
system is based on 2. In this system, 0
and 1 are the only two digits used.
The binary system is used in electronic
computers.
2 Investigate how the binary system
is used in electronic computers,
circuits or compact discs. Devise a
situation which calls for the use of
a binary system.
Modular arithmetic
Mat
d
hca
Modulo
68 = 5 13 + 3
= 3 (mod 13)
29 = 4 6 + 5
= 5 (mod 6)
remember
remember
1. The Real Number System contains the set of rational numbers (Q) and the set
of irrational numbers (I).
2. Rational numbers can be written as a ratio of two integers.
3. The set of rational numbers includes the set of integers (Z).
4. The set of integers consists of positive whole numbers (Z +), negative whole
numbers (Z ) and 0.
5. Positive integers are also called natural numbers (N).
6. Irrational numbers include surds, non-terminating and non-recurring decimals,
numbers such as and e. (There is no separate set for any of those.)
7. The Complex Number System allows us to take the square root of a negative
number. It uses the concept of an imaginary number, i, where i 2 = 1.
1C
WORKED
Example
17
1 Classify each of the following into the smallest subset in which they belong, using Q,
Z + and Z .
.
1
a 5
b 0.621
c
d
0.26
e 3 + 16
-----81
f
0.515 151 . . . g
k 9 144
. .
p 0.4 21
u 8 2
42
-----6
m ( 4 )
0
--4
8
------2
4
--3
7 4
9
--3
32
( 6)
100
------------2
w ( 2)
27
-----3
3 2
--2-
6--5-
343
1
--------100
2 Classify each of the following into the smallest subset in which they belong using Q, I,
Z + and Z .
a 6
b 0.3415 . . .
h 21 5
6 2
g 49
144
--------9
p 5
u
z
16
-----8
64
11
-----19
q 16 3 27
( 3)
0.612 612 . . . j
2 25
0.25
50
-----2
9
--------144
7 5
6 3 16
3 125
x ()2
8 12.5 w 1--5-
9
-----16
3 Classify each of the following into the smallest subset in which they belong, using Q, I,
Z, Z + and Z .
..
2
2
16 2
a 0.2 5
b
c 0.646 464 . . . d ( 36 )
e ( 3 27 )
f
93
64
---------8
28
-----18
q 3+2
4
--3
9
------3
----- 27
2
2
-----
1
--4
m 3+ 6
r
2
-------------
0.16
w 13.5 10
49
-----16
1
-------------0.25
1
--
25
---------10
o 5 21
0.0001 t
27
---------3
1.79
1
y 7 28 3 ----64
4 multiple choice
The smallest subset in which 7 + 2 3 1--8- belongs is:
A Q
B I
C Z+
D Z
E Z
18
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
5 multiple choice
The smallest subset in which
A Q
144
--------9
B I
3 512
--------8
+
belongs is:
E Z
D Z
C Z
6 multiple choice
8
--2
} is correct?
8
--2
2 + 9 and
11 and
8 Represent the number 5 on the number line. Use the method outlined in this section
for representing 2 on the number line as a guide.
Work
ET
SHE
1.1
,
3
11 ,
15
9,
16 , 3 125 , 4 81
Numbers that are not surds can be simplified to rational numbers, that is:
9 = 3 ,
16 = 4 ,
125 = 5 ,
81 = 3
19
WORKED Example 5
Which of the following numbers are surds?
a
25
10
1
--4
11
59
343
THINK
WRITE
Evaluate 25 .
The answer is rational (since it is a
whole number), so state your
conclusion.
25 = 5
25 is not a surd.
Evaluate 10 .
The answer is irrational (since it is a
non-recurring and non-terminating
decimal), so state your conclusion.
1
--4
= 1--2-
1
--4
is not a surd.
1
2
1
2
Evaluate
1
2
1
2
1
--- .
4
1
2
Evaluate 3 11 .
The answer is irrational (a nonterminating and non-recurring
decimal), so state your conclusion.
Evaluate 4 59 .
The answer is irrational, so classify
4
59 accordingly.
Evaluate 3 343 .
The answer is rational; state your
conclusion.
3
3
4
4
343 = 7
343 is not a surd.
So b, d and e are surds.
3
20
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
WORKED Example 6
Prove that
2 is irrational.
THINK
1
Assume that
WRITE
a
2 = --- where b 0
b
a
2 = ----2
b
a2 = 2b2
[1]
4r
b = -------2
= 2r2
b2 is an even number and b must also be
even; that is, b has a factor of 2.
Both a and b have a common factor of 2.
This contradicts the original assumption that
a
2 = --- where a and b have no common factor.
b
2 is not rational.
It must be irrational.
2
The dialogue included in the worked example should be present in all proofs and is an
essential part of the communication that is needed in all your solutions.
Note: An irrational number written in surd form gives an exact value of the number;
whereas the same number written in decimal form (for example, to 4 decimal places)
gives an approximate value.
remember
remember
1. A number is a surd if:
(a) it is an irrational number (equals a non-terminating, non-recurring decimal)
(b) it can be written with a radical (or root sign) in its exact form.
2. The square root of a number may be positive or negative; for example,
16 = 4.
21
1D
WORKED
Example
81
3
--4
48
3 3
-----27
32
361
169
7
--8
32
80
c
i
16
1000
1.6
1.44
k 4 100
125
100
16
( 7)
0.16
11
2 + 10
6+ 6 r
3
0.0001
27 ,
9 is:
33
2 multiple choice
6
--9
20 and
and
54 ,
Example
3 Prove that the following numbers are irrational, using a proof by contradiction:
a
4 multiple choice
Which of the numbers of the set
A
3 1
-----27
21 only
1 3 1
--- , ------ ,
4
27
1
--8
1
--- ,
8
only
21 ,
1
--8
8 are surds?
and
1
--8
and
21 only
5 multiple choice
12 is a surd.
1
-----49
1
------ ,
49
12 ,
16 ,
3 + 1 is not true?
12 and
16 are surds.
12 and
6 multiple choice
144
--------16
C 7 6 is smaller than 9 2 .
E 6 7 , 7 6 , 9 2 and
18 are surds.
144
--------16
144
--------- ,
16
and
7 6, 9 2,
18 ,
D 9 2 is smaller than 6 7 .
25 is
22
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
Simplifying surds
To simplify a surd means to make a number (or an expression) under the radical ( )
as small as possible. To simplify a surd (if it is possible), it should be rewritten as a
product of two factors, one of which is a perfect square, that is, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64,
81, 100 and so on.
We must always aim to obtain the largest perfect square when simplifying surds so
that there are fewer steps involved in obtaining the answer. For example,
written as
4 8 = 2 8 ; however,
32 = 2 2 2 ; that is
16 2 =
16
2 = 4 2 , the same
WORKED Example 7
Simplify the following surds. Assume that x and y are positive real numbers.
a
384
b 3 405
c --8- 175
d 5 180 x 3 y 5
THINK
WRITE
384 =
64 6
64 6
= 8 6
Express
surds.
Simplify
32 could be
81 5 as a product of two
81 .
b 3 405 = 3 81 5
= 3 81 5
= 3 9 5
= 27 5
THINK
WRITE
Express
surds.
Simplify
= 5 36x 2 y 4 5xy
= 30xy 2 5xy
3
4
25 7 as a product of 2
25 .
= 1--8-
23
25 7
= 1--8- 5 7
= 5--8- 7
d 5 180x 3 y 5 = 5 36 5 x 2 x y 4 y
= 5 6 x y 2 5xy
The Mathcad file titled Surds can be used to simplify surds in different forms. The
answer to question a in worked example 7 can be seen in the screen below.
cad
Math
Surds
24
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
remember
remember
1. To simplify a surd means to make a number (or an expression) under the radical
as small as possible. For example, 2 5 is equal to, but simpler than, 20 .
2. To simplify a surd, write it as a product of two factors, one of which is the
largest possible perfect square.
1E
WORKED
Example
7a
GC pr
ogram
Surds
Mat
d
hca
Surds
WORKED
Example
7b, c
WORKED
Example
7d
Simplifying surds
12
18
24
56
27
75
125
99
54
60
112
98
68
150
180
338
88
135
162
200
245
320
448
135
405
294
b 3 50
8 90
d 6 112
9 80
5 68
g 7 54
h 10 32
6 75
3 252
k 7 80
9 120
m 16 48
1
--3
90
1
--7
392
1
--5
625
192
1
--6
288
175
7
--8
176
1
--9
162
2
--3
54
1
--4
1
--9
135
5
--2
320
3
-----10
4
--3
108
--8- 720
3 Simplify the following surds. Assume that a, b, c, d, e, f, x and y are positive real numbers.
a
16a 2
81a 2 b 2
72a 2
54a 2 b 2
90a 2 b
48a 3 b
338a 4
150a 4 b 2
338a 3 b 3
12a 5 b 7
k 68a 3 b 5
80x 6 y
n 3 64x 2 y
o 5 80x 3 y 2
p 2 343x 3 y 3
q 6 162c 7 d 5
3 126c 4 d 5
2 405c 7 d 9
4 294c 10 d 10
1
--2
1
--3
120e 4 f 6
1
--2
3
-----20
1
-----27
54x 3 y 9
1
-----18
125x 6 y 4
392e 11 f 11
25
88ef
175e 12 f 5
108x 10 y 12
4 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form,
A 3 15
B 5 9
45 is equal to:
C 5 3
D 9 5
E 3 5
5 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form, 3 128 is equal to:
A 6 32
B 12 8
C 24 2
D 16 2
E 32 3
6 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form,
A 49 11
B 7 11
1
--7
E 11
11
7 multiple choice
1
A --3- xy 13x 2 y
- x 2 y 13y
B ----15
D 3x 2 y 13y
E 3xy 13x 2 y
C --3- x 2 y 13y
include 11 , 5 , 2 13 and 2 3 .
In some cases surds will need to be simplified before you decide whether they are
like or unlike, and then addition and subtraction can take place. The concept of adding
and subtracting surds is similar to adding and subtracting like terms in algebra.
Note: To simplify expressions in this section only the positive roots will be used; that
is, we will assume
16 = 4.
26
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
WORKED Example 8
Simplify each of the following expressions containing surds. Assume that a and b are
positive real numbers.
a 3 6 + 17 6 2 6
b 5 3 + 2 12 5 2 + 3 8
THINK
1
--2
100a 3 b 2 + ab 36a 5 4a 2 b
WRITE
b 5 3 + 2 12 5 2 + 3 8
= 5 3+2 435 2+3 42
= 5 3+22 35 2+32 2
= 5 3+4 35 2+6 2
= 9 3+ 2
c
1
--2
100a 3 b 2 + ab 36a 5 4a 2 b
=
1
--2
10 a 2 a b 2 + ab 6 a 5 2 a b
1
--2
10 a b a + ab 6 a 5 2 a b
= 11ab a 10a b
WORKED Example 9
WRITE
P = 2l + 2w
P = 2 ( 17 2 50 ) + 2 ( 5 + 32 )
THINK
27
WRITE
P = 34 4 50 + 10 + 2 32
= 34 4 25 2 + 10 + 2 16 2
= 34 4 5 2 + 10 + 2 4 2
= 34 20 2 + 10 + 8 2
= 44 12 2
P = ( 44 12 2 ) m
subtraction
of surds
remember
remember
1. Only like surds may be added and subtracted.
Examples of like surds: 7 , 3 7 and 5 7 .
Examples of unlike surds: 3 , 5 and 2 13 .
2. Surds may need to be simplified before adding and subtracting.
Math
cad
The Maths Quest CD-ROM contains a Mathcad file that can be used to add or subtract
surds. The screen below shows an example.
Addition and
28
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
1F
Mat
d
hca
WORKED
Example
Addition
and
subtraction
of surds
8a
1 Simplify the following expressions containing surds. Assume that x and y are positive
real numbers.
a 3 5+4 5
b 6 2 + 11 2
2 3+5 3+ 3
d 6 7+8 7+5 7
g 6 11 2 11
Example
8b
h 12 13 5 13 2 13
j
3 72 5+7 79 5
k 9 6 + 12 6 17 6 7 6
5 2 12 2 3 6 + 8 6
m 12 3 8 7 + 5 3 10 7
o 2 x+5 y+6 x2 y
p 3 x + 4 y + 7 xy 2 x 9 y
WORKED
7 2+9 23 2
xy + 7 xy 3 xy
2 Simplify the following expressions containing surds. Assume that a and b are positive
real numbers.
a
200 300
18 + 50 72
96 5 24 + 12
27 3 + 75
8 + 18 + 50
45 + 20
g 2 20 3 5 + 45
i
6 12 + 3 27 7 3 + 18
44 99 + 121 3 11
150 + 24 96 + 108
98 2 50 + 5 32
m 3 90 5 60 + 3 40 + 100
n 2 99 44 176
o 5 11 + 7 44 9 99 + 2 121
p 5 3 + 8 27 4 3 + 2 147
q 2 30 + 5 120 + 60 6 135
20 50 80 120 + 60
1
--5
1
--2
98 + --3- 48 + --3- 12
1
-----16
1
--8
32 --6- 18 + 3 72
1
--8
50 + --7- 98 --4- 32
5
- 12 ------ 48
27 + ----16
32
WORKED
Example
8c
29
3 Simplify the following expressions containing surds. Assume that a and b are positive
real numbers.
a 7 a 8a + 9 9a 32a
b 10 a 15 27a + 8 12a + 14 9a
d 16 4a 2 24a + 4 8a 2 + 96a
8a 3 + 72a 3 98a 3
9a 3 + 3a 5
i
k
ab ab + 3ab a 2 b + 9a 3 b 3
32a 3 b 2 5ab 8a + 48a 5 b 6
1
--2
a 3 b + 5 ab 2 ab + 5 a 3 b
4a 2 b + 5 a 2 b 3 9a 2 b
4 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest surd form,
A 5 7
B 5
C 1
E none of these
5 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest surd form, 2 40a 6 72ab 2 is equal to:
A 32b 12a
B 32b 8a
D 4b 32a
E 4 10a 36b 2a
6 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest surd form,
A 5a + b 2
B 5 + 2b
7
-----10
C 5a
E 9a a + 2 b
7 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest surd form,
A 6ab 3 3a
B 3ab 3 3a
C 6ab 3
D 3ab 3
E 3 3a ( 3ab 3 1 )
8 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest surd form,
A 6cd 6
B 2cd 6
C 4cd 6
D 2cd
E 6cd 6
30
1.1
WORKED
Example
SkillS
HEET
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
9 Find the perimeter of the following shapes, giving answers in the simplest surd form.
Specify the units.
a
6 cm
5 + 2 cm
48 cm
18 cm
27 + 54 cm
7 3 cm
24 + 3 cm
d
Work
ET
SHE
1.2
f 3 44 99 m
5 2 5m
2 44 m
45 m
5+2 2m
4 44 + 2 99 m
Multiplication of surds
To multiply surds, multiply together the expressions under the radicals. For example,
a b = ab , where a and b are positive real numbers.
When multiplying surds it is best to first simplify them (if possible). Once this has
been done and a mixed surd has been obtained, the coefficients are multiplied with each
other and then the surds are multiplied together. For example,
m a n b = mn ab
WORKED Example 10
Multiply the following surds, expressing answers in the simplest form. Assume that x and
y are positive real numbers.
a
11 7
d 6 12 2 6
b 5 38 5
e
3
--5
70 --4- 10
5 10
15 x 5 y 2 12 x 2 y
THINK
WRITE
b 5 38 5 = 58 3 5
= 40 3 5
= 40 15
11 7 =
=
11 7
77
31
THINK
WRITE
5 10
50
Simplify
= 24 18
= 24 9 2
= 24 3 2
= 72 2
5 10 =
=
= 25 2
=5 2
d 6 12 2 6 = 6 4 3 2 6
= 62 32 6
= 12 3 2 6
12 .
3
--5
70 --4- 10 =
3
--5
--4- 70 10
3
-----20
700
3
-----20
100 7
3
-----20
10 7
3
--2
3 7
7 or ---------2
15x 5 y 2 12x 2 y
4
= 15 x x y 4 3 x y
= x2 y 15 x 2 x 3 y
= x2y 15x 2x 3y
2
= x2y 2x 15x 3y
= 2x3y 9 5xy
= 2x3y 45xy
= 2x3y 3 5xy
= 6x3y 5xy
When working with surds, we sometimes need to multiply surds by themselves; that
is, square them. Consider the following examples:
( 2 )2
2 2 =
4 = 2
( 5 )2
5 5 =
25 = 5
32
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
We observe that squaring a surd produces the number under the radical. This is not
surprising, since squaring and taking the square root are inverse operations and, when
applied together, leave the original unchanged.
When a surd is squared, the result is the number (or expression) under the
radical; that is,
( a )2
WORKED Example 11
Evaluate the area of a square of length
simplest form.
( --2-
THINK
A = l2
A=
Simplify, using
( a )2
= a.
=
4
( 1--2- 28xy )
2
2
= ( --12- ) ( 28xy)
1
--4
28xy
= 7xy
A = 7xy m2
remember
remember
1. When multiplying surds, simplify the surd if possible, then apply the following
rules:
(a)
a b =
ab
( a )2
radical:
1G
Multiplication of surds
2 7
5 11
6 7
2 12
8 6
12 6
10 10
5 75
21 3
27 3 3
45 60
2 8 5
33
Example
10f
n 6 2 4 48
o 10 15 6 3
p 9 27 2
q 4 20 3 5
6 18 2 8
10 6 3 8
9 20 4 15
1
--4
48 2 2
1
--2
1
--9
48 2 3
2
--3
4 --5- 125
1
-----10
3
--4
30 --5- 10
Example
11
60 --5- 40
2 Simplify the following expressions with surds. Assume that a, b, x and y are positive
real numbers.
a
xy x 3 y 2
x3 y4 x2 y2
3a 4 b 2 6a 5 b 3
5a 2 b 3 10ac 5
12a 7 b 6a 3 b 4
18a 4 b 3 2a 2 b 5
15x 3 y 2 6x 2 y 3
h 3 10x 7 y 5x 5 y 3
i
WORKED
72 --3- 3
1
--2
15a 3 b 3 3 3a 2 b 6
1
--3
12a 4 b 2 --4- 6a 3 b 3
3 Find the area of the following shapes. Answers must be expressed in the simplest surd
form and the appropriate units specified.
a
b
c
7 2 cm
2 4m
5 3 cm
5 11 m
f
5 10 m
6 5m
3 3m
8 8m
3 6m
2 10 m
3 6m
2 8m
4 multiple choice
The product of 3 30 5 6 expressed in its simplest form is:
A 15 36
B 90
C 15 180
D 45 20
E 90 5
5 multiple choice
The product of
A 2x 2 y 5 10xy
40x 11 y 5
C 2x 5 y 2 10xy D
13x 11 y 5
E x 5 y 2 13xy
HEET
SkillS
WORKED
m 5 3 2 11
1.2
34
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
6 multiple choice
The product of
A
3
-----16
x5 y7
3
--8
3
-----16
x7 y5
3
------ x 3 y 2
64
xy
3
------ x 5 y 2
16
xy
3
------ x 2 y 3
16
xy
7 multiple choice
The area of the triangle expressed in its simplest form is:
5 3m
4 6m
A 30 2 m2
B 60 2 m2
C 24 12 m2
D 48 3 m2
E 20 18 m2
8 The height of a square-based pyramid is 20 8 units and the length of the side of its
base is 12 8 units. Find the volume of the pyramid, expressing the answer in the
simplest surd form. (Volume = 1--3- area of base height)
Division of surds
To divide surds, divide the expressions under the radicals;
a
a
that is, ------- = --- , where a and b are whole numbers.
b
b
When dividing surds it is best to simplify them (if possible) first. Once this has been
done, the coefficients are divided next and then the surds are divided.
WORKED Example 12
Divide the following surds, expressing answers in the simplest form. Assume that x and y
are positive real numbers.
55
a ---------5
48
b ---------3
9 88
c ------------6 99
THINK
a
1
2
3
a
a
Rewrite the fraction, using ------- = --- .
b
b
Divide numerator by the denominator
(that is, 55 by 5).
Check if the surd can be simplified any
further.
36 xy
d -----------------------25 x 9 y 11
WRITE
55
a ---------- =
5
=
55
-----5
11
THINK
b
1
2
3
WRITE
a
Rewrite the fraction, using ------- =
b
Divide 48 by 3.
Evaluate 16 .
a
Rewrite surds, using ------- =
b
a
--- .
b
a
--- .
b
Simplify surds.
35
48
48
b ---------- = -----3
3
= 16
=4
c
9 88
9 88
------------- = --- -----6 99
6 99
9 8
= --- --6 9
92 2
= ------------------63
18 2
= ------------18
=
36xy
6 xy
d ----------------------- = -------------------------------------------25x 9 y 11
5 x 8 x y 10 y
6 xy
= -----------------------5x 4 y 5 xy
6
= -------------5x 4 y 5
WORKED Example 13
Find the perpendicular height of a triangle, given that its area is 27 15 cm2 and its base
length is 6 3 cm. The answer must be expressed in the simplest surd form and the
appropriate unit specified.
THINK
WRITE
A = 1--2- bh
27 15 =
27 15 = 3 3 h
1
--2
6 3h
36
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE
27 15
h = ---------------3 3
9 5 3
= -----------------------3
h = 9 5 cm
remember
remember
When dividing surds, simplify the surd if possible, then apply the following rule:
a
b = ------- =
b
where a and b are whole numbers, and b 0.
a
1H
a
--b
Division of surds
1 Simplify the following surds, expressing answers in the simplest form. Assume that x
and y are positive real numbers.
12
15
14
8
72
a ---------b ---------c ------d ---------3
2
2
6
WORKED
Example
60
---------10
90
---------6
128
g ------------8
18
---------4 6
2 24
------------3 3
96
m ---------8
2 63
------------5 7
7 44
o ---------------14 11
9 63
q ------------15 7
540
------------20
x4 y3
--------------x2 y5
x 6 y 11
------------------x 12 y 15
16xy
w -----------------8x 7 y 9
65
------------2 13
2040
---------------30
45
------------125
5 72
------------12
336
p ------------14
t
12 99
---------------15 11
72x 4 y 3
x --------------------2xy 2
37
2 Simplify the following. Assume that all pronumerals are positive real numbers.
12x 8 y 12
xy
a --------------- ----------------------x2 y3
x5 y7
6x 2 y 3
3x 7 y 2
b --------------------- -----------------27x 4 y 4
3xy 3
2 2a 2 b 4
10a 9 b 3
---------------------- --------------------5a 3 b 6
3 a7b
3ab 5
6a 7 b 3
d ------------------ -------------2a 5 b
2a 6 b 2
2mn 3
3m 4 n 6
-------------------- -------------------6m 5 n 2
8mn 3
5 3m 3 n
2m 5 n 8
----------------------- -------------------2 6m 3 n 2 6 mn 5
3 multiple choice
75
Expressed in its simplest form, ---------- is:
5
A
70
15
13
5 3
D ---------5
9 6
D ---------7
3 6
E ---------7
x 2 y 4 10
D --------------------xy 20x
x2 y6
E -------------2
17
4 multiple choice
9 18
Expressed in its simplest form, ------------- is:
21 3
9 6
A ---------21
9 2
C ---------7 3
54
B ---------7
5 multiple choice
10x 5 y 8
Expressed in its simplest form, --------------------- is:
20x 3 y 2
xy 3 2
A ---------------2
xy 3 10
B ------------------20
x3 y 2
C ---------------2
6 multiple choice
2x 4 y
6x 7 y 3
Expressed in its simplest form, ---------------- ------------------ is:
9xy
4x 3 y 5
x 12 x
B -------------y 3
y3 y
A -----------x 3
WORKED
Example
13
x 3 3x
C ---------------3y
x7
D ---------y 3
2x 3 3x
E ------------------6y
7 Find the length of the unknown side in each of the following. Answers must be
expressed in the simplest surd form and the appropriate units specified.
a
A = 28 39 m2
w
7 3m
A = 12 30 cm2
A = 21 55 m2
h
3 5 cm
b
6 5m
38
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
V = 90 21 m3
V = 315 13 cm3
V = 60 75 cm3
h
h
h
3 6m
3 7 cm
5 2m
2E
------- , where E is the kinetic
m
energy of the object and m is the mass of the object. Express v as the simplest surd, if:
b E = 250 J, m = 60 kg
c E = 480 J, m = 120 kg
2
--3
of
a the height of the tank (give the answer as the simplest surd)
b the full capacity of the tank in litres.
(Remember that 1 cubic centimetre holds 1 mL of water.)
ab + ac
If there is a negative number outside the bracket, then every term inside the bracket
will undergo a sign change since it has been multiplied by the negative number.
WORKED Example 14
Expand and simplify the following where possible.
5 ( 6 + 11)
7 ( 18 3)
c 2 3 ( 10 5 3)
THINK
WRITE
5 ( 6 + 11)
5 6 + 5 11
Simplify.
30 + 11 5
THINK
WRITE
2
3
Simplify 18 .
Apply the Distributive Law to remove
the brackets.
Simplify.
39
7 ( 18 3 )
= 7 (3 2 3 )
= 7 3 2 + 7 3
= 3 14 3 7
c 2 3 ( 10 5 3)
= 2 3 10 2 3 5 3
= 2 30 + 10 9
= 2 30 + 10 3
= 2 30 + 30
When expanding two binomial brackets the FOIL method is applied; that is, 4 pairs
of terms must be multiplied in the order First, Outer, Inner and Last.
WORKED Example 15
Expand
THINK
1
WRITE
(
2
Apply FOIL.
Multiply the first terms of each bracket.
Multiply the outer terms of each bracket.
Multiply the inner terms of each bracket.
Multiply the last terms of each bracket.
Simplify.
5 + 3 6 ) (2 3 2 )
I
O
52 3+ 5 2+3 62 3
+ 3 6 2
= 2 15 10 + 6 18 3 12
= 2 15 10 + 6 3 2 3 2 3
= 2 15 10 + 18 2 6 3
40
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
a + b) =
( a)2 + 2
a b + ( b)
= a + 2 ab + b
b) =
( a)2 2
a b + ( b)
= a 2 ab + b
WORKED Example 16
2
WRITE
19 6)
Simplify.
= 19 2 114 + 6
19) 2 19 6 +
( 6) 2
= 25 2 114
2
Note that the expansion of ( 19 6 ) in the previous example could be also done
by writing it as a product of two repeated factors, ( 19 6 )( 19 6 ) , and applying
FOIL. Naturally, the result would be the same, but the solution would take longer.
Recall the difference of two squares (DOTS) identity:
(a b)(a + b) = a2 b2
The DOTS identity can be applied to surds as follows:
a b )( a + b ) = ( a ) ( b )
=a-b
WORKED Example 17
Expand
5 y 3 2 x )( 5 y + 3 2 x ) .
THINK
WRITE
5y 3 2x )( 5y + 3 2x )
Simplify.
= 5y 9 2x
= 5y 18x
5y ) ( 3 2x )
In the above example the binomial factors which were multiplied together are a conjugate pair (that is, one bracket contains a sum and the other a difference of the same
terms). Although the terms are irrational, the answer is not a surd, but an expression
with rational terms.
41
remember
remember
1. When expanding brackets, the Distributive Law is applied:
a ( b + c ) = ab + ac
2. When expanding binomial brackets, FOIL is applied:
( a + b )( c + d ) =
3. Perfect square identities:
(
a + b) =
( a)
ac + ad + bc + bd
2
+ 2 a b + ( b)
= a + 2 ab + b
a b) =
( a)2 2
a b + ( b)
= ( a 2 ab + b )
4. DOTS identity:
a + b )( a b ) = a b
5. The product of a conjugate pair of surds is rational.
1I
14
3( 7 + 6)
5 ( 18 7 )
5(2 2)
2( 3 + 5)
7 ( 3 72 12 )
6 ( 5 14 4 )
h 5 12 ( 3 5 4 8 )
g 2 2 ( 6 18 + 7 15 )
j
WORKED
Example
15
Math
cad
Example
2 3 ( 4 6 2 3 )
3 8 ( 5 6 + 2 10 )
( 18 5 ) ( 5 + 3 )
( 4 8 + 2 6 )( 8 3 6 )
( 7 8 + 6 3 )( 4 2 5 6 )
(2 7 3 2(5 5 + 7 2)
( 5 x + 2 y )( 3 x + 4 y )
b
d
f
h
j
( 7 + 5 )( 2 5 3 7 )
( 3 6 2 5 )( 4 2 3 20 )
( 11 2 3 )( 2 5 8 )
( 5 18 3 3 )( 2 18 6 )
( 8x 10y )( 2x + 10y )
Surds
HEET
SkillS
WORKED
1.3
42
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
WORKED
Example
16
WORKED
Example
17
( 2 + 5)2
( 3 + 5 2)2
(3 6 + 5 2)2
(2 8 5)2
b
e
h
(
(
(
6 + 10 )
8 + 3 3)
5 3)
( 3 + 15 ) 2
(2 2 + 3 5)2
( 7 3)2
( 3 + 7 )( 3 7 )
( 2 5 + 3 )( 2 5 3 )
( 8 + 2 )( 8 2 )
( 13 3 )( 13 + 3 )
( 2 3 5 )( 2 3 + 5 )
( 2 10 + 14 )( 2 10 14 )
( 13 6 )( 13 + 6 )
( 6 3 3 5 )( 6 3 + 3 5 )
( 7 2 3 5 )( 7 2 + 3 5 )
( 6 3 + 2 8 )( 6 3 2 8 )
( x y )( x + y )
( 3 x 4 y )( 3 x + 4 y )
( 7x y 3y x )( 7x y + 3y x )
b
d
f
h
j
l
n
p
r
t
v
x
z
( 19 + 1 )( 19 1 )
( 3 11 + 7 )( 3 11 7 )
( 10 + 12 )( 10 12 )
( 7 12 )( 7 + 12 )
( 3 7 + 12 )( 3 7 12 )
( 18 19 )( 18 + 19 )
( 3 5 + 2 7 )( 3 5 2 7 )
( 5 2 6 )( 5 2 + 6 )
( 11 3 + 2 5 )( 11 3 2 5 )
( 7 2 3 9 )( 7 2 + 3 9 )
( 2x 3y )( 2x + 3y )
( 2x x + 5 y )( 2x x 5 y )
( 9 x 2 y 5 xy 2 )( 9 x 2 y + 5
xy 2 )
5 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form,
A 5 33 5
D
30
15 ( 5 3 ) is equal to:
B 5 53 3
75 45
E 2 2
6 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form, ( 5 8 + 2 7 )( 6 5 3 3 ) is equal to:
A 30 40 15 24 + 12 35 6 21
B 60 10 15 24 + 12 35 6 21
C 60 10 30 6 + 12 35 6 21
D 30 40 30 6 + 12 35 6 21
E 60 10 30 6 + 12 21
7 multiple choice
2
B 245
D 269
E 257 28 15
C 257 + 28 15
43
8 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form, ( 15 x 2 y + 4 xy )( 15 x 2 y 4 xy ) is equal to:
A 225x 2 y 120 xy + 16xy
B 15x 2 y 4xy
C 225 x 4 y 2 16 x 2 y 2
D 225x 2 y 16xy
b x 2 + 3x + 2
Rationalising denominators
If the denominator of a fraction is a surd, it can be changed into a rational number.
In other words, it can be rationalised.
As we discussed earlier in this chapter, squaring a simple surd (that is, multiplying it
by itself) results in a rational number. This fact can be used to rationalise denominators
as follows.
a
b
ab
b
------- ------- = ---------- , (where ------- = 1)
b
b
b
b
If both numerator and denominator of a fraction are multiplied by the surd contained
in the denominator, the denominator becomes a rational number. The fraction takes on
a different appearance, but its numerical value is unchanged, because multiplying the
numerator and denominator by the same number is equivalent to multiplying by 1.
WORKED Example 18
Express the following in their simplest form with a rational denominator.
2 12
b ------------3 54
6
a ---------13
17 3 14
c ----------------------------7
THINK
WRITE
6
a ---------13
6
13
= ---------- ---------13
13
78
= ---------13
Continued over page
44
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE
2 12
b ------------3 54
2 12 2 4 3
------------- = ------------------3 54 3 9 6
22 3
= ------------------33 6
4 3
= ---------9 6
6.
18 .
Simplify
4 3
6
= ---------- ------9 6
6
4 18
= ------------96
4 92
= ------------------96
43 2
= ------------------54
12 2
= ------------54
2 2
= ---------9
17 3 14
c ----------------------------7
( 17 3 14 ) 7
= ------------------------------------ ------7
7
17 7 3 14 7
= ---------------------------------------------------------7 7
119 3 98
= -------------------------------49
THINK
4
45
WRITE
Simplify
119 3 49 2
= -----------------------------------------7
119 3 7 2
= --------------------------------------7
119 21 2
= -------------------------------7
98 .
remember
remember
To rationalise the surd denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator by
the surd contained in the denominator. This has the effect of multiplying the
fraction by 1 and thus the numerical value of the fraction remains unchanged,
while the denominator becomes rational:
ab
a
a
b
------- = ------- ------- = ---------b
b
b
b
1J
WORKED
E xample
18a, b
WORKED
Example
18c
Rationalising denominators
7
b ------3
4
---------11
8
d ------6
3 7
---------5
8 3
m ---------7 7
15
---------6
2 3
g ---------5
5 14
------------7 8
16 3
------------6 5
12
---------7
5 2
---------2 3
4 3
---------3 5
8 60
------------28
2 35
o ------------3 14
15 22
b -------------------------6
6 2 15
-------------------------10
3 5+6 7
--------------------------8
4 2+3 8
--------------------------2 3
3 11 4 5
g -----------------------------18
7 12 5 6
-----------------------------6 3
6 2 5
----------------------4 8
6 35 5
--------------------------7 20
2 18 + 3 2
d -----------------------------5
h
2 72 5
--------------------------12
46
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
3 multiple choice
12
When expressed in its simplest form, ------- is equal to:
3
4 3
A ---------3
B 4 3
C 48
12 3
D ------------3
E 6 3
4 multiple choice
8 5
When expressed in its simplest form, ------------- is equal to:
9 12
40
A --------108
16 15
B ---------------108
4 5
C ---------9
320
E --------972
4 15
D ------------27
5 multiple choice
7 56 7
When expressed in its simplest form, --------------------------- is equal to:
12
6
7 15 6 21
A ------B 7 15 21
C --------------------------------6
6
7 60 6 84
D --------------------------------12
E none of these
6 multiple choice
5 53 3
When expressed in its simplest form, --------------------------- is equal to:
8 8
5 10 3 6
A -----------------------------32
B 10 10 6 6
40 40 24 24
D --------------------------------------64
10 10 6 6
E --------------------------------8
80 10 48 6
C -----------------------------------64
7 Solve for x, giving the answers as the simplest surds with rational denominators:
a x2 =
3
--7
b 3x2 = 5
6x2 4 = 12
6 + 11 and
6 11 ,
a + b and a b , 2 5 7 and 2 5 + 7 .)
This fact is used to rationalise denominators containing a sum or a difference of surds.
To rationalise the denominator which contains a sum or a difference of surds, we
multiply both numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator.
47
a b )( a + b ) = ( a ) ( b )
=ab
WORKED Example 19
(4 + 3)
1
= --------------------- --------------------(4 3) (4 + 3)
4 + 3
(Note that ---------------- = 1 .)
4 + 3
3
Simplify.
4+ 3
= -----------------------------2
( 4 )2 ( 3 )
4+ 3
= ---------------16 3
4+ 3
= ---------------13
6+3 2
b -----------------------3+ 3
( 6 + 3 2) (3 3)
= ----------------------------- --------------------(3 + 3)
(3 3)
3 3
(Note that ---------------- = 1 .)
3 3
Continued over page
48
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE
Simplify.
3 6 18 + 9 2 3 6
= -----------------------------------------------------------93
18 + 9 2
= ------------------------------6
92+9 2
= ------------------------------------6
3 2+9 2
= ------------------------------6
6 2
= ---------6
= 2
You might wish to use a calculator to check if the final answer is correct. To do that,
evaluate the original fraction and the final one (the one with the rational denominator)
and check whether they both equal the same number.
WORKED Example 20
1
1
Rationalise the denominators and simplify the following. ----------------------- + --------------------------2 6 3 3 6+2 3
THINK
WRITE
1 We will rationalise the denominator of
1
----------------------each term and then add them.
2 6 3
Write down the first fraction.
2
(2 6 + 3)
1
= ---------------------------- ----------------------------(2 6 3) (2 6 + 3)
2 6+ 3
= ---------------------------( 2 )2 6 3
2 6+ 3
= -----------------------21
1
--------------------------3 6+2 3
THINK
49
WRITE
(3 6 2 3)
1
= -------------------------------- ------------------------------(3 6 + 2 3) (3 6 2 3)
3 62 3
= ----------------------------------32 6 22 3
3 62 3
= --------------------------42
2 6+ 3 3 62 3
------------------------ + --------------------------21
42
2 6+ 3
2
3 62 3
= ------------------------ --- + --------------------------
21
2
42
4 6+2 3 3 62 3
= --------------------------- + --------------------------42
42
10
7 6
= ---------42
11
6
= ------6
WORKED Example 21
1
Simplify: ---------------------------------(2 + 2) 3
THINK
1
WRITE
1
---------------------------------(2 + 2) 3
[(2 + 2) + 3]
1
= ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------(2 + 2) 3
(2 + 2) + 3
50
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE
(2 + 2) + 3
= ----------------------------------2
(2 + 2) 3
(2 + 2) + 3
= -------------------------------------4+4 2+23
2+ 2+ 3
= -----------------------------3+4 2
(2 + 2 + 3) (3 4 2)
= ----------------------------------- -----------------------(3 + 4 2)
(3 4 2)
6+3 2+3 34 2 28 24 6
= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 16 2
68+3 28 2+3 34 6
= ------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 32
2 5 2 + 3 3 4 6
= -------------------------------------------------------23
2+5 23 3+4 6
= ----------------------------------------------------23
remember
remember
1. To rationalise the denominator containing a sum or a difference of surds,
multiply both the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the conjugate
of the denominator. This eliminates the middle terms and leaves a rational
number.
2. To simplify the denominator quickly, use the DOTS identity:
a b )( a + b ) =
( a)2 ( b)2
= ab
1
3. To rationalise the denominator of the fraction -------------------- , multiply it by
a+ b
a b
-------------------- .
a b
1
4. To rationalise the denominator of the fraction -------------------- , multiply it by
a b
a+ b
-------------------- .
a+ b
Rationalising denominators
using conjugate surds
1K
WORKED
Example
19
WORKED
Example
20
WORKED
Example
21
51
1
-------------------8 5
4
----------------------------2 11 13
7
-----------------------------2 12 + 2 5
5 3
g --------------------------3 5+4 2
25
-------------------------5 7 20
83
---------------8+3
5 3
m --------------------------------4 10 + 3 18
2 83 2
-----------------------------3 24 2 6
3 6 + 2 12
o -----------------------------4 18 + 3 8
4 5 + 10
q -----------------------------6 15 + 20
4 15 2 3
-----------------------------2 30 5 2
4 12 3 8
-----------------------------3 65 2
3 8+6 3
--------------------------7 2 3
3 11 2 7
w --------------------------------3 14 + 4 11
3 75 2
--------------------------35 + 2 2
3 6 15
-------------------------6+2 3
12 7
----------------------12 + 7
2 7+5 3
--------------------------5 73 3
1
d ----------------------2 6 7
h
9 3
----------------------------2 33 12
11 + 7
-------------------------22 14
5 2+3 3
p -----------------------------2 6 3 12
t
2 11 3 3
-----------------------------2 11 + 3 3
4 15 + 2 5
x -----------------------------3 5 15
3 7
4 8
----------------------- -----------------------3 5 3
5+3 3
2 3
4 6+ 3
d ----------------------- --------------------------62 3 2 6+3 3
3 5
72 2
-------------------- ----------------------7+ 2
5+ 2
2 2+ 3
2 2+ 3
------------------------ -----------------------------2 2 3 12 2 + 6 3
7+ 8
2 82 7
g --------------------------- + --------------------------3 73 8 3 8+3 7
3 7+2
5 72
-------------------------- + --------------------------2 7 11
7 + 2 11
13 + 5
11 + 2
----------------------- ------------------13 5
11 2
5+ 6
2 62 5
--------------------------- --------------------------4 54 6 3 63 5
2+ 3 5
-----------------------------------3+2 3+2 5
5 3 2
---------------------------------5+ 3+ 2
52
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
73 5
3 Given that x = ------------------------ find each of the following, giving the answer in surd form
7+3 5
with a rational denominator:
1
1
b x --a x + --x
x
4 Given that x = 5 2 3 find
with a rational denominator:
1
b
a x + --x
1
d x 2 ----e
x2
x 2 + 3x
g ----------------h
x2
1
x 2 + ----x2
x 2 + 6x + 3
x 2 12x + 8
x 2 3x
----------------x+2
11x + 7 = 8 + 5x
b 3 5x 10 = 2 7x + 4
7 multiple choice
1
When simplified with a rational denominator, ------------------- is equal to:
3 8+2
6 22
A ------------------68
3 82
B ------------------68
3 8+2
C ------------------------68 + 12 8
3 21
D ------------------34
3 8+2
E ------------------------68 + 24 2
8 multiple choice
3+7 2
When simplified with a rational denominator, --------------------------- is equal to:
3 3+2 2
37 + 23 6
A ------------------------35
B 1+ 6
27 + 23 6
C ------------------------19
D 1 6
19 + 19 6
E -----------------------------36
9 multiple choice
2 8 5
When simplified with a rational denominator, --------------------------- is equal to:
3 82 5
38 + 40
A ---------------------52
58 + 7 40
B ------------------------52
19 + 10
C ---------------------26
58 + 7 40
D ------------------------52
58 + 14 10
E ---------------------------52
10 multiple choice
If x =
7 +
1
11 , then x + --- when simplified with a rational denominator is equal to:
x
3 7 + 5 11
5 7 + 3 11
5 7 + 3 11
3 7 + 5 11
3 7 + 3 11
A ------------------------------ B ------------------------------ C ------------------------------ D ------------------------------ E -----------------------------4
4
4
4
4
53
WORKED Example 22
50
b 6 3
c 6a 2 b 2a 3 b
THINK
a 1 Write down the expression.
2 The modulus sign indicates that we want only a
magnitude of a number and not the sign of it. So the
negative in front of the number should be omitted.
b 1 Write down the expression.
4cd 6cd
d --------------------------------------- 12
WRITE
a 50
= 50
b 6 3
= 6 3
= 18
c 6a 2 b 2a 3 b
= 6a 2 b 2a 3 b
= 12a 5 b 2
4cd 6cd
d --------------------------------------- 12
4cd 6cd
= --------------------------- 12
24c 2 d 2
= ------------------- 12
= 2c 2 d 2
remember
remember
1. The modulus (or absolute value) of a number is the magnitude of that number.
It tells us how far the number is from zero, and is always positive.
2. The modulus of x is denoted by |x|.
54
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
1L
WORKED
Example
22
19
15
e
h
g 3 4
j
m
p
s
v
y
2 + 8
21 37
12 6
24 3
2a 6b 4 b
1
--4
8
1
--2
0.75
2a
3.21
7 3
o
r
u
x
a 2 b 2
5 3
7 14
9 10 3
D 1
E 5
2
k --3
n 28
q 3 9
t 18 3
w 6 3 20
z 4cd 3cd 2 cd
2 multiple choice
When simplified, 2 3 becomes:
B 6
C 6
A 6
3 multiple choice
When simplified, ab 2 a 3 b a 2 b 4 becomes:
a
a
a4b3
a2
C ----D ----B ----------A ----b2
b2
b
a2b4
a2
E ----b
4 multiple choice
When simplified, 8 2 + 5 3 becomes:
A 8
B 14
C 18
D 14
E 8
D 9--2-
E 9--8-
5 multiple choice
When simplified, 6 2 2 5 8 becomes:
----------A 15
B 9--2C 15
8
8
y
|y|
b Use the table to plot (on the same set of axes) the graph of y = 2x 4 and
y = 2x 4 .
c State the range of each of the two functions.
d Compare the ranges of the two functions and their graphs. Explain the difference.
55
3 units
WORKED Example 23
a | 4x | = 16
Solve:
b | 4 - 3x | = 3.
THINK
WRITE
a | 4x | = 16
Case 1:
4x = 16
b | 4 3x | = 3
Case 1:
4 3x = 3
4 3 = 3x
1 = 3x
x = 1--3-
|4 3
= |4 1|
=3
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
Case 2:
4x = 16
x=4
x = 4
or
or
x = 4
Case 2:
4 3x = 3
4 + 3 = 3x
7 = 3x
x = 2 1--3-
| 4 3 7--3- |
= |4 7|
= |3|
=3
Solutions are correct for both cases.
1
--3
WORKED Example 24
Solve | x - 3 | = 3x + 8.
THINK
1
WRITE
| x 3 | = 3x + 8
Continued over page
56
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE
Case 1:
x 3 = 3x + 8
Solve for x.
3 8 = 3x x
11 = 2x
x = 5 1--2-
Using x = 5 1--2-
or
Case 2:
x 3 = (3x + 8)
x 3 = 3x 8
x + 3x = 8 + 3
4x = 5
x = 1 1--4-
(LHS)
11
33
3 --------- + 8 = --------- + 8 (RHS)
2
2
= 16 1--2- + 8
= 8 1--2(Not the correct solution since LHS RHS)
Using x = 1 1--4| 1 1--4- 3 | = | 4 1--4- | = 4 1--4-
(LHS)
5
15
3 ------ + 8 = --------- + 8 (RHS)
4
4
= 3 3--4- + 8
= 4 1--4(Correct solution since LHS = RHS)
The solution is x = 1 1--4- .
WORKED Example 25
Solve | x 1 | = | 2x + 3 |.
THINK
WRITE
| x 1 | = | 2x + 3 |
Case 1:
x 1 = 2x + 3
or
Case 2:
x 1 = (2x + 3)
THINK
57
WRITE
1 3 = 2x x
4 = x
x = 4
x 1 = 2x 3
x + 2x = 3 + 1
3x = 2
2
x = --3
Using x = 4
| 4 1 | = | 5 | (LHS)
| 2(4) + 3 | = | 8 + 3 | (RHS)
= | 5 |
(Correct solution since LHS = RHS)
2
Using x = --3
2
--- 1 = | 1 2--3- |
3
2
2 --- + 3 = | 1 1--3- + 3 |
3
= | 1 2--3- |
remember
remember
To solve equations with absolute values:
1. remove the absolute value symbols and state the equation as positive and
negative cases
2. verify your solutions by substituting your answer into the original equation.
1 Solve for x.
a | 2x | = 10
23
WORKED
E xample
d | 3x + 2 | = 4
b |x + 1| = 5
e | 1 + 2x | = 0
| 2x 1 | = 2
x
--- = 3
3
2 Solve for x.
a | x + 1 | = 2x 1
24
c | 2x + 3 | = x 5
b | 3x + 5 | = x 3
d | x 2 | = 2x 7
b | 3x 6 | = | 2x + 4 |
d | x 5 | = | 3x 8 |
WORKED
Example
WORKED
Example
HEET
SkillS
1M
58
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
Solving inequations
You have graphed inequations on a number line in your junior mathematics studies.
These examples require more care and you will notice that the verification step is
essential to test the values you obtain.
WORKED Example 26
Solve and graph (x - 1)(x + 2) > 0.
THINK
1
2
WRITE/DRAW
(x 1)(x + 2) > 0
Case 1:
If a and b > 0
(x 1) > 0 and
(x + 2) > 0
x>1
x > 2
3 2 1
3 2 1
Case 2:
If a and b < 0
(x 1) < 0 and
x<1
(x + 2) < 0
x < 2
3 2 1
3 2 1
Graphed
59
THINK
Use a tabular form to verify
this solution.
Note how the number line is
divided into 3 regions.
When completing this table
choose a number that falls in
each region and work out the
sign only of each expression.
Because the original product
was greater than 0 (or positive)
the table has verified the results
on the graph. We do not want to
include those values between 2
and 1.
WRITE
x < 2
2 < x < 1
(let x = 3) (let x = 0)
x1
x+2
(x 1)(x + 2)
+
graphed
OK
x>1
(let x = 2)
not
graphed
OK
+
+
+
graphed
OK
WORKED Example 27
Solve and graph:
3
a --- < 6 where x 0
x
THINK
a
1
2
x2
------------ < 0 where x 1.
x+1
WRITE/DRAW
3
a --- < 6
x
Case 1:
Case 2:
3
If x > 0, --- < 6
x
3 < 6x
1
--2
or x >
3
1
2
1
--2
<x
1
--2
3
If x < 0, --- < 6
x
3 > 6x
or x <
2
>x
1
2
1
--2
1
--2
60
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
b
1
2
WRITE/DRAW
x2
b ------------ < 0
x
+1
a
Remember that < 0 means ve. If --- < 0 Case 1:
b
If x 2 < 0
then either a < 0 or b < 0, but not both at
x<2
the one time.
Graph both these inequalities.
0
4
2
1
Case 2:
If x 2 > 0
x>2
x+1>0
x > 1
and
x+1<0
x < 1
and
2
3
Case 1
1
Case 2
WORKED Example 28
WRITE/DRAW
| 2x 3 | < 2
Case 1:
2x 3 < 2
or
Case 2:
2x 3 > 2
2x < 5
or
2x > 1
x<
or
x>
1
--2
1
2
5
--2
x < 2 1--24
2 2 2 3
Case 1
1
Case 2
THINK
5
WRITE/DRAW
2
The solution is
6
1
2
1
--2
2 2 2 3
WORKED Example 29
1
Solve and graph ----------------- < 2.
x3
THINK
1
61
WRITE/DRAW
1
----------------- < 2
x3
Case 1:
Case 2:
1
1
-------------- < 2
-------------- > 2
or
x3
x3
For case 1
if x 3 > 0 (x > 3)
1 < 2(x 3)
1 < 2x 6
7 < 2x
7
--- < x
2
x > 3 1--2Since x > 3 (initial condition) x > 3 1--2satisfies this condition.
0
3 3 2 4
Case 2
1
-------------- > 2
x3
If x 3 < 0 (x < 3)
1 < 2(x 3)
1 < 2x + 6
5 < 2x
Continued over page
62
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE/DRAW
2 1--2- > x
x < 3 from the initial condition; therefore
x < 2 1--2- satisfies this condition.
0
2 2 2 3
1
0
4
1
2 2 2 3 3 2 4
WORKED Example 30
x2
Solve and graph ------------ < 2 where x 3.
x+3
THINK
1
WRITE/DRAW
x2
------------ < 2
x+3
THINK
WRITE/DRAW
Case 1:
x2
------------ < 2
x+3
Case 2:
x2
------------ > 2
x+3
63
x2
------------ > 2
x+3
Case 2 (+ve): If x + 3 > 0 (that is, x > 3)
x 2 > 2(x + 3)
x 2 > 2x 6
3x > 6 + 2
4
x > -----3
But x > 3 from initial condition so x > 1 1--3- .
2
64
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
THINK
WRITE/DRAW
1 1--3-
This type of problem demonstrates higher level reasoning for this study of numbers. All
possibilities need to be carefully considered and examined in a thoughtful, methodical
manner.
65
remember
remember
1. When solving inequations reverse the inequality sign when you multiply or
divide by a negative expression.
2. In any equation if the product of a and b (that is a b) is positive then a and b
are either both positive or both negative.
3. If a product a b is negative then either a or b is negative.
4. If x a is positive then x a > 0 and x > a.
5. If x a is negative, then x a < 0 and x < a.
1N
Example
26
WORKED
Example
27
Example
28
4
a --- < 2 (where x 0))
x
3
----------- < 2 (where x 3)
x3
1
b ----------- < 3 (where x 1)
x1
x1
d ----------- < 3 (where x 2)
x2
b |x + 4| < 1
x1
d ----------------- < 2
5
| 2x 5 | < 1
WORKED
29, 30
1
a ----------------- < 3 (where x 1)
x+1
Example
c
WORKED
b (x 2)(x + 2) > 0
c
e
1
----------------- <
x6
1
--3
(where x 6)
x+1
------------ > 2 (where x 3)
x3
1
b -------------------- < 2 (where x 1 1--2- )
2x 3
d
f
x1
------------ < 2 (where x 1)
x+1
x
----------- > 4 (where x 4)
x4
ET
SHE
Work
WORKED
Solving inequations
1.3
66
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
Approximations for p
Research the following historical approximations for and present your findings in
concise form.
1 3000 BC Egypt: The pyramids are built. The sides and heights of the pyramids
of Cheops and Sneferu at Gizeh are constructed in the ratio of 11:7. Hence the
------ .
ratio of one perimeter to 2 heights is 22:7. The value of is approximately 22
7
2 2000 BC Egypt: The Rhind Papyrus, the oldest mathematical text in existence,
gives the following rule for constructing a square having the same area as a
given circle:
Cut one-ninth off the circles diameter and construct a square on the
2
------ ) .
remainder. Using this method, is found to equal ( 16
9
3 240 BC Greece: Archimedes, engineer, architect, physicist and mathematician,
1
------ < < 3 --- .
constructs polygons of 96 sides to show that 3 10
71
7
4 20 BC Italy: Vituvius, architect and engineer, measures distances using a
wheel and determines that is equal to 3 1--8- .
5 AD 125 Greece: Ptolemy writes his famous work on astronomy, Syntaxis
8
30
- + -------- .
Mathematica. He finds that is equal to 3 + ----2
60
60
1
series --- = -------
6
3
1 3
----- 3
---------------
1 5
----- 3
---------------
1 7
----- 3
---------------
19
9 + -------22
67
a b
---------------- .
a+ b
2x 5
3 Solve the inequation --------------- > 0.
2x + 7
4 By noting the expansion of ( a +
12 + 2 35 = 7 + 5 + 2 7 5 , determine
12 + 2 35 .
Hence, determine 17 + 6 8 .
5 If the integer points, n, and the points midway between them, n + 1--2- , are
mapped on a number line, how far away from the nearest of these points can
any point on the number line be?
Find an integer m such that | 2 1--2- m | < 1--4- and an integer k such that
| 5 1--2- k | < 1--4- .
Explain the significance of these results with respect to the topic of
approximation of irrationals to rationals. (Your response should not rely on
calculator computations.)
6 The most common way students learn to find the greatest common divisor of
two integers is to factorise both numbers into their prime factors and take the
common prime factors. For example, to find the greatest common divisor of
45 024 and 5712 we can write:
45 024 = 25 3 7 67
5712 = 24 3 7 17
So the greatest common divisor is 24 3 7 = 336.
However, finding the prime factors is not always that straight forward and
Euclid developed an algorithm that produces the greatest common divisor. To
apply it we divide the smaller integer into the larger integer.
Consider the integers 45 024 and 5712 again. When 45 024 is divided by
5712 the result is 7 with a reminder of 5040. Thus
45 024 = 7 5712 + 5040
Now divide the remainder (5040) into the divisor (5712)
5712 = 1 5040 + 672
and the new remainder into the previous remainder, and so on:
5040 = 7 672 + 336
672 = 2 336 + 0
The last non-zero remainder is the greatest common divisor, because it divides
both 45 024 and 5712 and every divisor of both 45 024 and 5712 must also
divide it.
68
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
5040
1
672
------------ = 7 + --------------- --------- = 2
672
672
336
--------336
45 024
1
which can be combined as a continued fraction as ---------------- = --------------------- and can also
5712
1
1 -----------1
7 + --2
be written as 7, 1, 7, 2 (whole numbers obtained at each division step).
Express the quotient 327 600 42 075 as a continued fraction and hence state the
greatest common divisor of these two integers.
7 Show that
2+ 2 +
2 2 <2 2
1
2 = 1 + ---------------- and hence deduce that
1+ 2
1
1
2 = 1 + -------------------------- = 1 + ----------------------------------1
1
2 + ---------------2 + -------------------------1
1+ 2
2 + ---------------1+ 2
8 Show that
69
summary
The Real Number System
The set of real numbers (R) is divided into two main sets: rational and irrational
numbers. These sets may be further divided into smaller subsets as illustrated on
the chart and Venn diagram below.
Real numbers R
Irrational numbers I
(surds, non-terminating
and non-recurring
decimals, ,e)
Negative
Z
Rational numbers Q
Integers
Z
Zero
(neither positive
nor negative)
Non-integer rationals
(terminating and
recurring decimals)
Positive
Z+
(Natural
numbers N)
Set notation
Set notation is used when defining the Real Number System.
The following symbols are useful when working with sets:
{ }set
is an element of
is not an element of
is a subset of
70
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
ab
m a n b = mn ab
When a surd is multiplied by itself (squared), the result is the number under the
radical:
( a)2
= a
a + b )( c + d ) =
3. Perfect squares:
( a + b)2
( a b)2
( a + b )(
ab + ac
ac + ad + bc + bd
= a + 2 ab + b
= a 2 ab + b
a b) = a b
a
--b
Rationalising denominators:
1. If the denominator contains a surd, multiply both numerator and denominator by
the surd part of the denominator:
a
a
b
------- = ------- ------b
b
b
ab
= ---------b
2. If the denominator is a sum or difference of surds, multiply both the numerator
and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator:
1
1
a+ b
-------------------- = -------------------- -------------------a b
a b
a+ b
a+ b
= -------------------ab
71
Modulus
The modulus (or absolute value) of a number is the magnitude of that number and
is always positive.
The modulus of x is denoted by | x |.
| x | = x if x < 0
= 0 if x = 0
= x if x > 0
Solving inequations
Remember that if x > 0 then x is positive, and vice versa.
If a product of two factors is greater than 0 then both factors must be either positive
or negative.
Likewise, if a product of two factors is less than 0 then only one of the factors must
be positive and the other must be negative,
Organise your solution into two cases that will develop arguments for all possible
values.
The two values that result for each case are values that should occur at the one time.
The graph you draw must be a combination of these two solutions for each case.
Verify your solutions by choosing values that fall in each of the regions of your
graph.
When you multiply or divide by a negative factor across an inequality sign,
remember to reverse the sign.
72
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
CHAPTER
review
1A
1A
1B
1B
1 multiple choice
Which of the given numbers,
A
.
0.81 , 5, 3.26, 0.5 and
6
------ ,
12
3
-----12
.
0.81 , 5, 3.26, 0.5 , --- ,
5
6
B ----- and --12
5
3
-----12
D 5, 3.26 and
3
-----12
are rational?
6
-----12
E 5
2 For each of the following, state whether the number is rational or irrational and give the
reason for your answer:
.
a
b
c 2--9d 0.6
e 3 0.08
12
121
3 multiple choice
Which of the following statements is not correct?
A
9
-----81
8
--4
4 multiple choice
Which of the following fractions,
decimals?
A
1B
0.81 and
6
------ ,
12
1 1 2
------ , --- , --17 5 3
5 2
3
------ , ------ , --13 12 3
0
--4
Z+
5 1 2
3
1
------ , ------ , ------ , --- , --- ,
17 13 12 5 3
5
3
------ , -----13 12
125 Z E (5)2 Z +
1 1
------ , --17 5
1 1 3
------ , --- , -----17 5 13
5 multiple choice
..
The recurring decimal 0.7 2 can be expressed as a fraction in its simplest form as:
A
18
-----25
73
--------100
73
-----99
4
--5
8
-----11
1B
6 Express
decimals
. . the following recurring
.
. . as fractions in the simplest form.
a 0.6 2
b 0.374
c 0.95 1
1C
7 multiple choice
Which. of the following statements regarding the given set of numbers,
{5, 0.7, 64 , 21, 8 , 20 }, is correct?
A 5, 64 , 20 , Z +
B
8 , . 20 cannot be expressed as rational numbers.
C 5, 0.7 and 21 are the only rational numbers of the set.
D 64 , 8 and 20 cannot be expressed as rational numbers.
E None of the above.
8 Classify each of the following into the smallest subset in which they belong using Q, I, Z,
Z + and Z . (Simplify first where possible.)
1C
a 4
1
--------- 0.2
125
4
b -----------------2 0.01
15
15
------ -----8
2
8
2
--- + -----9
25
73
9 multiple choice
Which of the following numbers of the given set,
1D
{3
2 , 5 7 , 9 4 , 6 10 , 7 12 , 12 64 }, are surds?
A All of these
B 9 4 , 12 64
C 3 2 and 7 12 only
D 3 2 , 5 7 and 6 10 only
E 3 2 , 5 7 , 6 10 and 7 12
10 Which of
m
20
------ , ------ ,
16
m
b if m = 8?
2m ,
25m ,
a if m = 4?
m,
8m are surds
1D
11 multiple choice
The expression
A 25 10
B 5 10
C 10 5
D 10 25
1E
E 5 50
12 multiple choice
1E
The expression
A 196x 4 y 3 2y B 2x 4 y 3 14y
14x 4 y 3 2y D 14x 4 y 3 2
E 14x 4 y 3 2xy
13 Simplify the following surds. Give the answers in the simplest form.
1E
2 25
b --- ------ x 5 y 11
5 64
a 4 648x 7 y 9
14 multiple choice
B 4
C 2 4
D 4 2
E None of these
1F
a 7 12 + 8 147 15 27
b
1
--2
1F
1
3
64a 3 b 3 --- ab 16ab + --------- 100a 5 b 5
4
5ab
16 Determine the length of the unknown side, giving the answer in the simplest form and
specifying the appropriate unit.
a
b
c
d
6+2 3m
x
y
10 cm
P = 44 8 6 cm
P = 80 m
P = 64 + 4 3 8 2 m
c
11 3 cm
11 cm
1F
1G
1H
74
1G
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
17 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form, 9 12 3 5 is equal to:
A 27 60
B 15 54
C 18 5
D 54 15
1G
1H
19 multiple choice
1
--5
675 27
b 10 24 6 12
x x
A ---------2
1H
1I
10 x
B ------------5x 2 y
6x 2 y 3
8xy
----------------- -------------- is equal to:
12x 4 y 5
10x 2 y
x 10
C ------------5x 2 y
10x
E ------------5x 2 y
x
D --------5xy
2 + 3 cm.
22 multiple choice
When expanded and expressed in its simplest form, 12 ( 8 6 ) is equal to:
1I
23 multiple choice
1I
24 multiple choice
96 72
C 4 36
24
E 2 63 2
1J
x3
E ----4
x x
D ---------4
21 Determine the length of the unknown side of a rectangle, given its area is 7 18 2 3 cm2
A 4 66 2
1I,K
8x 3
-------- is equal to:
32
x3
C --------2
20 multiple choice
10x
A -------------25x 2 y
1H
E 6 15
B 39 8 14
C 25 8 14
D 39
E 25 16 14
x 2 9x + 5
26 multiple choice
When expressed in its simplest form with a rational denominator,
A
2
------7
2
--7
14
---------7
7
------14
18
-----63
is equal to:
E
27 Express the following with a rational denominator, giving the answer in the simplest form.
7 56 3 126
-----------------------------------32
28 Express the following with a rational denominator, giving answers in the simplest form.
Assume that a, b, x and y are positive real numbers.
5x 3 y
a ---------------2 x
20x 5 y 3
b --------------------10xy
1
When expressed in its simplest form with a rational denominator, ------------------------ is equal to:
3 8+ 5
6 2 5
B ----------------------77
1J
1J
9a 2 b
---------------b
29 multiple choice
3 8 5
A ----------------------77
75
3 8 5
C ----------------------67
3 3
D ---------67
6 2 5
E ----------------------67
D 22 5 11
E 23
1K
30 multiple choice
If x =
A 1 6 11
B 2 11 + 22
C 2 11 + 1
1K
31 Express the following with a rational denominator, giving the answer in the simplest form.
1
1
--------------------------- ----------------------2 72 3 3 3 7
1
2+ 5
1K
1K
6 + 15
33 multiple choice
2 3 7 3
When expressed in its simplest form with a rational denominator, -------------------------------------------- is
3 6
equal to:
A 7 2
14
C ------2
B 2 7
7 18
E ------------3
D 7 2
1L
3 5 4
------------------------------------ 8
6 + 6
35 multiple choice
1M
1
--2
B x=
5
--2
C x = 1--2- ,
5
--2
1L
D x = 2,
2
--5
E x=2
76
1M
M a t h s Q u e s t M a t h s C Ye a r 1 1 f o r Q u e e n s l a n d
36 multiple choice
Which of the given values of x solve the equation | x + 3 | = 2x + 7?
A x = 4, 3 1--3-
1M
1N
1N
1N
B x = 4, 1 1--3-
C x = 3 1--3-
D x = 1, 4
E x = 2
37 multiple choice
Which of the following values of x solve the equation | x 3 | = | 2x 1 |?
A x = 2, 2--3B x = 2, 1
C x = 2, 1 1--3D x = 2--3- , 1 1--3-
E x=
1
--3
38 multiple choice
Which values of x are a solution for the equation (x + 1)(x 2) < 0?
A 1 < x < 2
B x < 1 or x > 2 C 1 < x < 0
D 1 < x < 1
E x>2
39 multiple choice
2
Which values of x are a solution for --- < 4?
x
A 0 < x < 1--4B 0 < x < 1--2C x < 0 or x > 3 D x < 0 or x <
1
--2
E x>1
40 multiple choice
Which of the following values of x are a solution for
A
1
--2
<x<2
B x<
1
--2
x+1
------------ < 3?
x1
D x < 1, x > 2 1--2-
E x>1
the rule I =
CHAPTER
test
yourself
27 cm
175 cm