Number and Algebra

1
Surds
When applying Pythagoras’ theorem, we have found lengths
that cannot be expressed as an exact rational number.
Pythagoras encountered this when calculating the diagonal
of
paffi square of side
pffilength 1 unit. A surd is a square root
( ), cube root ( 3 ), or any type of root whose exact
decimal or fraction value cannot be found.
 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S A D V A N C E D
for the A ustralian Curriculum 10 þ10A

Shutterstock.com/totojang1977
n Chapter outline n Wordbank
pffiffiffi
Proficiency strands irrational number A number such as p or 2 that cannot
a
1-01 Surds and irrational be expressed as a fraction
b
numbers* U F R C
1-02 Simplifying surds* U F R rational number Any number that can be written in the
1-03 Adding and subtracting form a ; where a and b are integers and b 6¼ 0
b
surds* U F R
1-04 Multiplying and dividing rationalise the denominator To simplify a fraction
surds* U F R involving a surd by making its denominator rational
1-05 Binomial products (that is, not a surd)
involving surds* U F R C real number A number that is either rational or irrational
1-06 Rationalising the and whose value can be graphed on a number line
denominator* U F R C pffiffiffi
simplify a surd To write a surd x in its simplest form so
*STAGE 5.3 that x has no factors that are perfect squares
surd A square root (or other root) whose exact value
cannot be found

9780170194662
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

n In this chapter you will:

• (STAGE 5.3) define rational and irrational numbers and perform operations with surds
• (STAGE 5.3) describe real, rational and irrational numbers and surds
• (STAGE 5.3) add, subtract, multiply and divide surds
• (STAGE 5.3) expand and simplify binomial products involving surds pffiffiffi
a b
• (STAGE 5.3) rationalise the denominator of expressions of the form pffiffiffi
c d

SkillCheck
Worksheet
1 Simplify each expression.
StartUp assignment 13
a (5y) 2 b (4m) 3 c (3x) 2
MAT10NAWK10091
2 Expand each expression.
a 5(x þ 2) b 4(y  3) c 3(1 þ 2w)
d 2(5  y) e 5(2a þ 3) f k(1 þ 2k)
3 Select the square numbers from the following list of numbers.
44 81 25 100 75 72 16 50 64 32
4 Expand and simplify each expression.
a (m þ 3)(m þ 7) b (y þ 1)(y  4) c (n  2)(n  3)
d (2d þ 3)(1 þ 3d) e (1  5p)(4 þ 3p) f (3a þ 2f )(a þ 5f )
g (x þ 4) 2 h (y  3) 2 i (2k þ 1) 2
j (a  5)(a þ 5) k (t þ 7)(t  7) l (3m þ 4)(3m  4)

Stage 5.3
1-01 Surds and irrational numbers
pffi pffi
A surd is a square root ( ), cube root ( 3 ), or any type of root whose exact decimal or fractional
value cannot be found. As a decimal, its digits run endlessly without repeating (like p), so they are
neither
pffiffiffi terminating nor recurring decimals.
7 is read as ‘the square root of 7’ or simply ‘root 7’.
Rational numbers such as fractions, terminating or recurring decimals, and percentages, can be
expressed in the form a ; where a and b are integers (and b 6¼ 0). Surds are irrational numbers
b
because they cannot be expressed in this form.

4 9780170194662
 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S A D V A N C E D
for the A ustralian Curriculum 10 þ10A
Stage 5.3
a a
Rational numbers can be expressed in the form Irrational numbers cannot be expressed in the form
b b

Integers Surds
4 26 –3
= 4, = 26, = –3 √ 11
1 1 1 √5, – √2, , 8 √6
3
Recurring decimals
Terminating decimals Transcendental numbers
2
= 0.666 ... Non-surds whose decimal value also have no
0.5, 71 = 7.125, 3 pattern and are non-recurring, for example,
8 5
= 0.833 ... π = 3.14159…, cos 38° = 0.7880...,
16% = 0.16, 1.32 6 0.0097542…
4
= 0.3636 ...
11

Example 1
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
Select the surds from this list of square roots: 56 135 289 99 81

Solution
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
56 ¼ 7:4833 . . . 135 ¼ 11:6189 . . . 289 ¼ 17
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
99 ¼ 9:9498 . . . 81 ¼ 9
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
So the surds are 56, 135 and 99.

Example 2
Is each number rational or irrational?
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
a 37.5% b  4 216 c 10p d 0:26_ e 48

Solution
a 37:5% ¼ 37:5 ¼ 3 which is in the form of a fraction a
100 8 b
[ 37.5% is a rational number.
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
b  4 256 ¼ 4 which can be written as 4
1
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
[  4 256 is a rational number.

c 10p ¼ 31.415 926 54 . . . The digits run endlessly without repeating.

[ 10p is an irrational number.
d 0:26_ ¼ 0:26666 . . . which is a recurring decimal
4 which is a fraction
¼
15
_
[ 0:26 is a rational number.
pffiffiffiffiffi
e 48 ¼ 6:928 203 23 . . . The digits run endlessly without repeating.
pffiffiffiffiffi
[ 48 is an irrational number.

9780170194662 5
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

Stage 5.3 Square roots

pffiffi pffiffiffi
The symbol stands for the positive square root of a number. For example, 4 ¼ 2 (not 2).
Furthermore, it is not possible to find the square root of a negative number. It is only possible to find
the square root of a positive number or zero, because the square of any real number is positive or zero.

Summary
pffiffiffi
For x > 0, x is the positive square root of x. Your calculator will tell you that
pffiffiffi
For x ¼ 0, x is 0. there is a mathematical error
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiif
pffiffiffi you enter, for example, 5:
For x < 0, x is undefined.

Worksheet Surds on a number line

Surds on the number The rational and irrational numbers together make up the real numbers. Any real number can be
line
represented by a point on the number line.
MAT10NAWK10092 3
– 10 – 35_ 2_
3 120% 5 π

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4
pffiffiffiffiffi
 3 10  2:1544::: irrational (surd) 120% ¼ 1.2 rational (percentage)
3 pffiffiffi
 ¼ 0:6 rational (fraction) 5  2:2360::: irrational (surd)
5
2  0:6666:::
rational (fraction) p  3.1415… irrational (pi)
3

Example 3
pffiffiffi
Use a pair of compasses and Pythagoras’ theorem to estimate the value of 2 on a number line.

Solution
Step 1
Using a scale of 1 unit to 2 cm,
0 1 2 3
draw a number line as shown.
Step 2
Construct a right-angled triangle on Z
the number line with base length and
2
height 1 unit as shown. BypPythagoras’
ffiffiffi 1
theorem, show that XZ ¼ 2 units. X
1
0 1 2 3
Step 3
With 0 as the
pffiffifficentre,
 use compasses with Z
radius XZ 2 to draw an arc to meet the
number line at A as shown. 2
pffiffiffi The point A 1
represents the value of 2 and should be
X
approximately 1.4142… 1 A
0 1 2 3

6 9780170194662
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for the A ustralian Curriculum 10 þ10A
Stage 5.3
Exercise 1-01 Surds and irrational numbers
1 Which one of the following is a surd? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Example 1
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
A 64 B 100 C 250 D 400
2 Which one of the following is NOT a surd? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
A 84 B 196 C 27 D 160
3 Select the surds from the following list of square roots.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
32 125 625 400 4:9
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
52 169 0:0009 5625 288
4 Is each number rational (R) or irrational (I)? See Example 2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi 1 pffiffiffiffiffi
a 5:6_ b 8 c 4 d 3 e 3 27 f 1:35_
7 pffiffiffiffiffi
p ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi 50 pffiffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffi
g 3
64 h 271% i 5 3 103 j 3 k l 4
2 11 3
5 Arrange each set of numbers in descending order.
4 pffiffiffi p pffiffiffiffiffi
_ 27
a 1 ; 2; b 3 20; 2:6;
7 2 9
6 Express each real number correct to one decimal place and graph them on a number line.
pffiffiffiffiffi
a 14 b 74% c 4 d  12
5 11
p3
ffiffiffiffiffi 5 p
e  15 f 2 g h 187%
9 2 pffiffiffi
7 Use the method from Example 3 to estimate the value of 2 on a number line. See Example 3
pffiffiffi
8 a Use the method from Example 3 to estimate the value of 5 on a number line by
constructing a right-angled triangle with base length 2 units and height 1 unit.
b Use a similar method to estimate the following surds on a number line.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
i 10 ii 17

pffiffiffi
Investigation: Proof that 2 is irrational

A method of proof sometimes used in mathematics is to assume the opposite of what is

being proved, and show that it is false.p
This
ffiffiffi is called a proof by contradiction.
We will use this method
pffiffiffi to prove that 2 is irrational. pffiffiffi
Firstly, assume that 2 is rational. This means we assume that 2 can be written in the
form a ; where b 6¼ 0, and a and b are integers with no common factor.
b
pffiffiffi a
2¼
b
a2
2 ¼ 2 Squaring both sides
b
a2 ¼ 2b2
2b 2 is an even number because it is divisible by 2.
[ a 2 is even.

9780170194662 7
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

Stage 5.3
If a 2 is even, then a is also even because any odd number squared gives another odd
number.
If a is even, then it is divisible by 2 and can be expressed in the form 2m, where m is an
integer.
) a2 ¼ ð2mÞ2 ¼ 2b2
4m2 ¼ 2b2
2m2 ¼ b2
b2 ¼ 2m2
[ b 2 is even
[ b is even
[ a and b are both even.
This contradicts p
the
ffiffiffi assumption that a and b have no common factor. Therefore, the
assumption
pffiffiffi that 2 is rational is false.
[ 2 must be irrational.
1 Usepthe
ffiffiffi method of proof justpdescribed
ffiffiffi to show that these surds are irrational.
a 3 b 5
2 Compare your proofs with those of other students.

Puzzle sheet

Simplifying surds
1-02 Simplifying surds
MAT10NAPS10093

Technology worksheet Summary

Excel worksheet:
Simplifying surds quiz For x > 0 (positive):
MAT10NACT00019 pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
x ¼ x3 x¼x
Technology worksheet pffiffiffiffiffi
x2 ¼ x
Excel spreadsheet:
Simplifying surds

MAT10NACT00049
Example 4
Simplify each expression.
pffiffiffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2
a 12 b 4 7 c 5 2

Solution
pffiffiffiffiffi2
a 12 ¼ 12
 pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi2
b 4 7 ¼ 4 734 7 4 7 means 4 3 7 c 5 2 ¼ ð5Þ2 3 2
pffiffiffi2
¼ 42 3 7 ¼ 25 3 2
¼ 50
¼ 16 3 7
¼ 112

8 9780170194662
 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S A D V A N C E D
for the A ustralian Curriculum 10 þ10A
Stage 5.3
Summary

The square root of a product

For x > 0 and y > 0:
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
xy ¼ x 3 y

pffiffiffi
A surd n can be simplified if n can be divided into two factors, where one of them is a square
number such as 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, …

Video tutorial
Example 5
Simplifying surds

Simplify each surd. MAT10NAVT10002

pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi 288
a 8 b 108 c 4 45 d
3
Solution
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 8 ¼ 43 2 4 is a square number.
pffiffiffi
¼ 23 2
pffiffiffi
¼2 2
b Method 1 Method 2
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
108 ¼ 36 3 3 108 ¼ 4 3 27
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼ 63 3 ¼ 23 93 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼6 3 ¼ 2333 3
pffiffiffi
¼6 3
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
Method 2 involves simplifying surds twice ( 108 and 27). Method 1 shows that
when simplifying surds, you should look for the highest square factor possible.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
c 4 45 ¼ 4 3 9 3 5 d 288 144 3 2
pffiffiffi ¼
¼ 4333 5 3 3
pffiffiffi
pffiffiffi 12 2
¼ 12 5 ¼
3
4 pffiffiffi
12 2
¼ 1
3
pffiffiffi
¼4 2

9780170194662 9
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

Stage 5.3
Exercise 1-02 Simplifying surds
See Example 4 1 Simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffiffiffi2
a 2 b 5 c 3 3 d 5 10
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2
e 0:09 f 2 7 g 3 5 h 5 2
See Example 5 2 Simplify each surd.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
a p50
ffiffiffiffiffi b p12ffiffiffiffiffi c p28
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi d p150
ffiffiffiffiffi e p700
ffiffiffiffiffi
f p45
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi g p48ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi h p200
ffiffiffiffiffi i p96
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi j p63
ffiffiffiffiffi
k p288
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi l p108
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi m p75
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi n p147
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi o p32
ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
p 242 q 162 r 245 s 125 t 512
3 Simplify each expression. pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi 40 243
a 3 20 b 4 32 c 8 72 d e
2 9
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
28 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi 3125 1 pffiffiffiffiffi
f g 3 24 h 9 68 i j 72
6pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi p10
ffiffiffiffiffi 2 ffiffiffiffiffi
p
52
k 3 48 l 10 160 m 3 75 n 7 68 o
4 6
pffiffiffiffiffi
4 Which one of the following is equivalent to 4 50 ? Select A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 8 5 B 20 2 C 8 2 D 20 5
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
250
5 Which one of the following is equivalent to ? Select A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi 10
5 10 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
A B C 2 10 D 5 10
10 2
6 Decide whether each statement is true (T) or false (F).
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi2 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 3 5 ¼ 15 b 18 ¼ 9 c 9:4 ¼ 9:4 d 75 ¼ 5 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
e 3  1:7 f The exact value of 10 is 3.162 277 8

Just for the record Unreal numbers are imaginary!

There exist numbers
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi that are neither rational nor irrational, so they are also not real numbers.
For example, 2 is not a real number,
ffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffibecause
pffiffiffiffiffiffi there is no real number which, if squared,
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
equals 2. Numbers such as 2; 10 and 4 17 are called unreal or imaginary numbers
and cannot be graphed on a number line (that is, their values cannot be ordered).
Imaginary numbers were first noticed by Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century CE. In 1545,
the Italian mathematician Girolamo Cardano wrote about them, but believed negative
numbers did not have a square root. Imaginary numbers were largely ignored until the 18th
century when they were studied by Leonhard Euler and the Carl Friedrich Gauss.
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
1 is defined to be the imaginary number i, so 1 ¼ i.
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
) 36 ¼ 36 3 ð1Þ ¼ 36 3 1 ¼ 6i:
Imaginary numbers are useful for solving physics and engineering problems involving heat
conduction, elasticity, hydrodynamics and the flow of electric current.
Simplify each imaginary number.
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi p ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
a 100 b 25 c 4 16 d 6
64

10 9780170194662
 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S A D V A N C E D
for the A ustralian Curriculum 10 þ10A
Stage 5.3
1-03 Adding and subtracting surds
Puzzle sheet

Just as you can only add or subtract ‘like terms’ in algebra, you can only add or subtract ‘like Surds code puzzle
surds’. You may first need to express all the surds in their simplest forms. MAT10NAPS10094

Example 6
Simplify each expression.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 5 11 þ 7 11 b 8 53 5 c 3 64 2þ5 6
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
d 80 þ 20 e 8  27 þ 18 f 5 20  3 125

Solution
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 5 11 þ 7 11 ¼ 12 11 b 8 53 5¼5 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
c 3 64 2þ5 6¼8 64 2
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi
d 80 þ 20 ¼ 16 5 þ 4 5 Simplifying each surd.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼4 5þ2 5
pffiffiffi
¼6 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffipffiffiffi
e 8  27 þ 18 ¼ 4 2  9 3 þ 9 2 f 5 20  3 125 ¼ 5 4 5  3 25 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼2 23 3þ3 2 ¼ 532 5  335 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼5 23 3 ¼ 10 5  15 5
pffiffiffi
¼ 5 5

Exercise 1-03 Adding and subtracting surds

1 Simplify each expression. See Example 6
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 9 3þ2 3 b 11 2  8 2 c 5 6 6
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
d 5þ3 5 e 5 17  5 17 f 3 10  2 10
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 4 15  3 15 þ 7 15 h 5 62 64 6 i 3 3þ4 35 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
j 4 5þ7 5 5 k 8 10  5 10 þ 3 10 l 10 3  3 3  12 3
2 Simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
a 5 39þ2 3 b 11 10  7 2  4 10
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
c 4 3 þ 5 2  5 3 d 3 15 þ 3 2 þ 4 15 þ 5 2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
e 73 54 7þ 5 f 4 63 32 65 3
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 10 11  5 3 þ 3 11 þ 4 3 h 13 þ 8 7  7 13 þ 3 7
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
i 2 53 72 53 7 j 4 10  3 5  4 10
3 For each expression, select the correct simplified answer A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
a 3 þ 12
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 5 3 B 15 C 2 6 D 3 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
b 4 5  2 125
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 6 5 B 5 C  45 D 46 5
9780170194662 11
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

Stage 5.3 4 Simplify each expression.

pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
a 8 þ 32 b 108  27 c 20  80 d 28  63
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
e 3 6 þ 24 f 2 5 þ 125 g 40  90 h 5 11 þ 99
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
i 3 2 þ 18 j 27 þ 5 3 k 200  7 2 l 50 þ 32
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
m 5 3 þ 2 27 n 3 20  245 o 7 12  5 48 p 4 27 þ 2 243
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
q 3 63  2 28 r 2 98 þ 3 162 s 5 6 þ 2 150 t 4 50 þ 3 18
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
u 5pffiffiffiffiffi27 p6ffiffiffiffiffi75 pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi v p 3 ffiffiffiffiffi
112 p2ffiffiffiffiffi252 pffiffiffi w p32 ffiffiffiffiffiþ 8pþffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi 12 pffiffiffiffiffi
x 27 þ 54 þ 243 y 98  3 20  2 8 z 3 96  2 150 þ 24

Worksheet

Multiplying and dividing 1-04 Multiplying and dividing surds

surds

MAT10NAWK10095

Puzzle sheet Summary

Surds

MAT10NAPS00043 The square root of products and quotients

For x > 0 and y > 0: pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
Technology worksheet xy ¼ x 3 y
Excel worksheet:
rffiffiffi pffiffiffi
x¼ x
Simplifying surds quiz pffiffiffi
y y
MAT10NACT00019

Technology worksheet

Excel spreadsheet: Example 7

Simplifying surds

MAT10NACT00049 Simplify each expression.

pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 73 5 b 6 3 14 c 4 3 3 10 3
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
12pffiffiffiffiffi
90 pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
d e 54 4  2 f 5 27 3 3 6
3 10
Solution
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
a 7 3 5 ¼ 35 b 6 3 14 ¼ 84
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 4 3 21
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 2 21
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffi
c 4 3 3 10 3 ¼ 4 3 10 3 3 3 3 d 12pffiffiffiffiffi
90
¼ 43 9
3 10
¼ 40 3 3
¼ 433
¼ 120 ¼ 12
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi 54
e 54 4ð 2Þ ¼  pffiffiffi f 5 27 3 3 6 ¼ 5 3 3 3 27 3 6
2 pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi ¼ 15 162
¼  27 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi ¼ 15 3 81 3 2
¼  93 3 pffiffiffi
pffiffiffi ¼ 15 3 9 2
¼ 3 3 pffiffiffi
¼ 135 2

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Stage 5.3
Example 8
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
5 2 3p4ffiffiffi 12
Simplify :
10 8

Solution
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
5 2 3 4 12 20 24 pffiffiffi
pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi ¼ 2 3
10 8 10 8

Exercise 1-04 Multiplying and dividing surds

1 Simplify each expression. See Example 7
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 10 3 3 b  6 3 11 c 53 8
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
d 2 3 18 e 53  5 f 8 336 3
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 5 10 3 3 3 h 2 7 3 5 3 i 7 534 5
pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
j 2 3 3 5 6 k 4 3 3 27 l 3 5 3 4 10
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
m 7 2 3 4 8 n 18 3 8 3 o 10 2 3 2 8
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
p 3 18 3 5 12 q 3 44 3 2 99 r 5 8 3 4 40
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
s 8 3 3 3 54 t 8 32 3 27 u 90 3 72
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
v 5 20 3 3 8 w 7 18 3 3 24 x 3 48 3 2 12
2 Simplify each expression.
pffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffi 40p14
a 24 4 8 b 30 4  5 c ffiffiffi
5 2
pffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi 7 18
d 10 54 4 5 27 e 3 98 4 6 14 f pffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi 2
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi 128 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 2 24 4 4 6 h pffiffiffi i 15 18 4 3 6
2
pffiffiffiffiffi
20p10 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
j ffiffiffi k 36 24 4 9 8 l 16 30 4 8 5
4 5
pffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi 3 2 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
m 12 14 4 6 n o 80 4 4 5
12
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi 42 54
p 5 60 4 15 q 6 843 2 r pffiffiffi
6 3
pffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi 8 50 pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
s 12 63 4 3 7 t pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi u 6 3 4 243
2 200
3 Simplify the expressions below.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 63 6 b 73 7 c p
2 ffiffiffiffi3ffi 3 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
d 5 y33 y e x3 x f a2 3 a
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
4 Simplify 3 2 3 6: Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 6 B 6 2 C 6 3 D 12 2

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
Stage 5.3 5 Simplify 20 10 4 5 2: Select A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 4 5 B 15 5 C 10 D 20
See Example 8 6 Simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
3 534 2 5 83
a pffiffiffiffiffi b
3 12p3 ffiffiffiffiffi8 6 c p2ffiffiffiffiffi 90
3 40 4 27 10 24
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
4 5 10 p686 8 80 3 3pffiffi2ffi
d pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi e ffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi12
3 3
f pffiffiffi
2 15 3 5 27 5 28 3 18 4 536 8

Mental skills 1 Maths without calculators

Percentage of a quantity
Learn these commonly-used percentages and their fraction equivalents.
Percentage 50% 25% 12.5% 75% 20% 10% 33 13 % 66 23 %
Fraction 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2
2 4 8 4 5 10 3 3
Now we will use them to find a percentage of a quantity.
1 Study each example.
1 1 1
a 20% 3 25 ¼ 3 25 b 50% 3 120 ¼ 3 120 c 12:5% 3 32 ¼ 3 32
5 2 8
¼5 ¼ 60 ¼4
3 1 1 2 2
d 75% 3 56 ¼ 3 60 e 33 % 3 27 ¼ 3 27 f 66 % 3 60 ¼ 3 60
4
  3 3 3 3 
1 ¼9 1
¼ 3 60 3 3 ¼ 3 60 3 2
4 3
¼ 15 3 3 ¼ 20 3 2
¼ 45 ¼ 40
2 Now simplify each expression.
a 25% 3 44 b 33 13 % 3 120 c 20% 3 35 d 66 23 % 3 36
e 10% 3 230 f 12 12 % 3 48 g 50% 3 86 h 20% 3 400
i 75% 3 24 j 33 13 % 3 45 k 25% 3 160 l 10% 3 650
m 12.5% 3 88 n 66 23 % 3 21 o 20% 3 60 p 75% 3 180

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Stage 5.3
1-05 Binomial products involving surds
Surd expressions involving brackets can be expanded in the same way as algebraic expressions of
the form a(b þ c) and (a þ b)(c þ d).

Example 9
Expand and simplify each expression.
pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 3 5þ 7 b 2 11 3 11  5 2

Solution

a 3 5+ 7 b 2 11 3 11 – 5 2

= 3× 5+3× 7 = 2 11 × 3 11 – 2 11 × 5 2
= 15 + 21 = 6 × 11 – 10 × 22
= 66 – 10 22

Example 10
Expand and simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 7þ 5 3 2 3 b 3  2 10 53 2

Solution
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 7þ 5 3 2 3 ¼ 7 3 2 3 þ 5 3 2 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼ 733 2  73 3 þ 533 2  53 3
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 3 14  21 þ 3 10  15
 pffiffiffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi
b 3  2 10 5  3 2 ¼ 3 5  3 2  2 10 5  3 2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼ 3 3 5  3 3 3 2  2 10 3 5 þ 2 10 3 3 2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 3 5  9 2  2 50 þ 6 20
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi
¼3 59 22 5 2 þ6 2 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼ 3 5  9 2  10 2 þ 12 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
¼ 15 5  19 2

Summary
(a þ b) 2 ¼ a 2 þ 2ab þ b 2
(a  b) 2 ¼ a 2  2ab þ b 2
(a þ b)(a  b) ¼ a 2  b 2

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

Stage 5.3
Example 11
Expand and simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2
a p7ffiffiffi  p5ffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi b 2p3ffiffiffiffiffiþ 3 5 pffiffiffiffiffi 
c 5 2 5þ 2 d 3 11 þ 4 3 11  4

Solution
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2
a 7 5 ¼ 7 23 73 5 þ 5 Using (a  b) 2 ¼ a 2  2ab þ b 2
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 7  2 35 þ 5
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 12  2 35
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi2
b 2 3 þ 3 5 ¼ 2 3 þ 2 3 2 3 3 3 5 þ 3 5 Using (a þ b) 2 ¼ a 2 þ 2ab þ b 2
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ ð4 3 3Þ þ 12 15 þ ð9 3 5Þ
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 12 þ 12 15 þ 45
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 57 þ 12 15
pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi2
c 5 2 5þ 2 ¼ 5  2 Using (a þ b)(a  b) ¼ a 2  b 2
¼52 Note that because of the
‘difference of two squares’,
¼3
the answer is not a surd but
a rational number.
 pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffiffiffi   pffiffiffiffiffi2
d 3 11 þ 4 3 11  4 ¼ 3 11  42 Using (a þ b)(a  b) ¼ a 2  b 2
¼ ð9 3 11Þ  16
¼ 83

Exercise 1-05 Binomial products involving surds

See Example 9 1 Expand and simplify each expression.
pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi  pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 5 3þ 2 b 6 21 c 2 3þ 7
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
d 5 3 2 5 e 3 2 2þ2 3 f  11 4  5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 2 7 3 74 h 5 5 1þ3 5 i 3 2 4 2þ 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
See Example 10 2 Which expression is equivalent to 3 þ 2 5 5 2 þ 3 ? Select the correct answer A, B,
C or D.
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 20 10 B 2 15 þ 5 6
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
C 5 6 þ 3 þ 10 10 þ 2 15 D 5 5þ 3þ7 7þ4 2
3 Expand and simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi 
a 53 2 5þ 2 b 7 3 7þ2
 pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
c 7 3þ2 4 2þ 3 d 3 2 5 5 2þ2 5
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
e 7 þ 2 11 3 7 þ 4 11 f 5 32 2 4 33 2
 pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 6 þ 2 10 3 10  1 h 72 5 3 5þ2 7

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 pffiffiffi2
4 Which expression is equivalent to 5 þ 7 ? Select A, B, C or D. Stage 5.3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 12 B 32 C 32 þ 10 7 D 32 þ 5 7 See Example 11

5 Expand and simplify each expression.

pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2 pffiffiffi 2  pffiffiffiffiffi2
a 5 3 b 7þ 2 c 52 d 3 þ 10
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi 2  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi2
e 5 2þ3 3 f 5 72 g 3 2þ2 5 h 2 5þ 3
6 Expand and simplify each expression.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 3 2 3þ 2 b 5þ 3 5 3
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi
c 6þ2 7 62 7 d 5 3 5þ 3
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffipffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi  pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi 
e 11  10 11 þ 10 f 5 7þ3 5 73
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g 3 2þ 5 3 2 5 h 4 25 3 4 2þ5 3
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
7 Which expression is equivalent to 5 2  4 3 5 2 þ 4 3 ? Select A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 25 2  16 3 B 10 2 þ 10 6 C 2 D 26
8 Expand and simplify each expression.
 pffiffiffi 2  pffiffiffi pffiffiffi 
a 3 75 b 5 24 2þ5
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffipffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffi 2
c 2 7þ3 5 5þ 7 d 4 3þ5
 pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi  pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi2
e 4 2þ 3 4 2 3 f 3 10  2

Investigation: Making the denominator rational

pffiffiffi
If 2  1:4142; what is the value of p1ffiffiffi ? Fractions containing surds in the denominator are
2
difficult to work with. When approximating the value of p1ffiffiffi ; it is difficult to mentally divide
2
by 1.4142. We can overcome this by making the denominator rational (that is, not a surd).
1 What happens when we multiply the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the
same number?
pffiffiffi
1 2
a Simplify pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi :
2 2 pffiffiffi
2 pffiffiffi
b Mentally approximate the value of ; given that 2  1:4142:
2 pffiffiffi
2
c Check, using a calculator, that p1ffiffiffi ¼ : Why is this true?
2 2
pffiffiffi
7
2 a Is it true that p3ffiffiffi ¼ p3ffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi ? Why?
7pffiffiffi 7 7
3 7
b Simplify pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi : Compare your answer with those of other students.
7 7 pffiffiffi
3 3 7
c Check, using a calculator, that pffiffiffi ¼ :
7 7
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
3 5 3 5 2
d Explain why pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi :
2 2 2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
3 5 3 10
e Show that pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi :
2 2

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Surds

Stage 5.3
1-06 Rationalising the denominator
Worksheet

Rationalising the
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
1 3 3 5 7
denominator Surds of the form pffiffiffi ; pffiffiffi ; pffiffiffi ; pffiffiffi ; … have denominators that are irrational. These expressions may
5 2 7 2 3
MAT10NAWK10201
be rewritten with a rational denominator by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the surd
that appears in the denominator. This method is called rationalising the denominator.

Example 12
Rationalise the denominator of each surd.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
8 2 2pþ ffiffiffi 1
a p3ffiffiffi b p 5 ffiffiffi c pffiffiffi d
2 4 3 3 5 3

Solution
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
3 3 2 2
a pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi because pffiffiffi ¼ 1
2 p2ffiffiffi 2 2
3 2
¼
2
pffiffiffi
3 3 2 3 3
Because pffiffiffi ¼ ; it is easier to approximate pffiffiffi by mentally multiplying by 1.4142
2 2 2 2
than by dividing 3 by 1.4142.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
5 5 3 8 2 8 2 5 2þ1 2þ1 3
b pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi c pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi d pffiffiffi ¼ pffiffiffi 3 pffiffiffi
4 3 4 p3ffiffiffi 3 3 5 3p5ffiffiffiffiffi 5 3 3 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
5 3 8 10 6þ 3
¼ ¼ ¼
4p3ffiffiffi3 3p 5
3ffiffiffiffiffi 3
5 3 8 10
¼ ¼
12 15

Exercise 1-06 Rationalising the denominator

See Example 12 1 By rationalising the denominator, which surd is equivalent to p2ffiffiffi ? Select the correct answer
A, B, C or D. 6
pffiffiffi p ffiffiffi p ffiffi
ffi pffiffiffi
6 6 2 6
A 2 6 B C D
3 6 3
2 Rationalise the denominator of each surd.
a p1ffiffiffi b p1ffiffiffi c p1ffiffiffi d p3ffiffiffi e p2ffiffiffi f p 1 ffiffiffi
2 7 3 2
pffiffiffi 7
pffiffiffi 3 pffiffi2ffi
1 1 7 2 3 2 5 3
g pffiffiffi h pffiffiffi i pffiffiffi j pffiffiffi k pffiffiffi l pffiffiffi
2 3 4 7 3 5 3 5 2 6 4 5
pffiffiffi
3
3 Which surd is equivalent to pffiffiffi ? Select A, B, C or D.
pffiffiffiffiffi 2 5 pffiffiffiffiffi
15 pffiffiffiffiffi 15 pffiffiffi
A B 2 15 C D 5
10 3

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pffiffiffiffiffi
27
4 Which surd is equivalent to pffiffiffiffiffi ? Select A, B, C or D. Stage 5.3
3 18
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
2 5
A 1 B C D 6
2 2 6 6
5 Rationalise the denominator of each expression.
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
2p 1 1 5 5þ 3 2 3
a ffiffiffi b pffiffiffi c pffiffiffi d pffiffiffi
2 5 2 2 3 6
6 Simplify each expression, giving the answer with a rational denominator.
pffiffiffi
2
a p1ffiffiffi þ p1ffiffiffi b pffiffiffi þ p3ffiffiffi c p 3 ffiffiffi  p1ffiffiffi
7 2 5 3 2 3 2

Power plus
pffiffiffi
1pffiffiffi ¼ 1pffiffiffi 3 3  p2ffiffiffi ? Explain.
1 a Is it true that
3þ 2 3þ 2 3 2
pffiffiffi
b Simplify 1pffiffiffi 3 3  p2ffiffiffi : Is the denominator rational?
3þ 2 3 2
c Use a calculator to check that the value of your answer to part b is equal to the
value of 1pffiffiffi :
3þ 3
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
2 The conjugate of 3 þ 2 is 3  2: Find the conjugate of:
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 5þ2 3 b 2 3 c 5þ1 d 7 3
3 The process shown in question 1 involves rationalising a surd with a binomial
denominator. By first finding the conjugate of the denominator, rationalise the
denominator of each expression below.
pffiffiffi
1pffiffiffi 2
a b pffiffiffi c pffiffiffi 1 pffiffiffi d 2 pffiffiffi
2 3 5þ1 7 3 5þ2 3

4 The largest cube that can fit into a sphere must have its eight
vertices touching the surface of the sphere. Express the side
length, s, of the cube in terms of the diameter, D, of the sphere.

5 Squares are formed inside squares by joining the midpoints D C

of the sides of the squares as shown. If AB ¼ 4 cm, find the
exact length of the side of the shaded square.

A B

6 Six stormwater pipes, each 2 mm in diameter, are stacked

as shown in the diagram. Find the exact height, h, of h
this stacking.

9780170194662 19
 Chapter 1 review

n Language of maths
Puzzle sheet approximate binomial denominator difference of two squares
Surds crossword expand irrational number perfect square product
MAT10NAPS10202 Pythagoras’ theorem quotient rational number rationalise
real number root simplify square number
square root surd undefined
1 Why do you think a rational number has that name?
2 What is the difference between a rational number and a real number?
3 What is a surd?
4 How do you simplify a surd?
5 Why is p an example of an irrational number that is not a surd?
6 How do you rationalise the denominator of a surd expression?

n Topic overview
Copy and complete this mind map of the topic, adding detail to its branches and using pictures,
symbols and colour where needed. Ask your teacher to check your work.

Surds and irrational Simplifying Adding and

numbers surds subtracting surds

Multiplying and
Surds dividing surds

Rationalising the
Binomial products
denominator
involving surds

20 9780170194662
 Chapter 1 revision

1 Which one of the following is a rational number? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D. See Exercise 1-01
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
A 1 25 B 39 C 2 5 D 2p
2 Is each number rational (R) or irrational (I)? See Exercise 1-01
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 8 b 22 c 0:56_ d 3 5
pffiffiffi 7 ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
p pffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
e 81 f 3 125 g 3 8 h 5þ 3
3 Simplify each surd. See Exercise 1-02
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
a 72 b 98 c 275 d 128
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
e 3 150 f 7 28 g 4 288 h 5 45
pffiffiffiffiffi
i 7 48 j 1 pffiffiffiffiffi
24
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
k 2 3125 l 1 pffiffiffiffiffi
32
2 3 2
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
m 2 44 n 2 225 o 2 162
5 3
4 Simplify each expression. See Exercise 1-03
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
a 200 þ 18 b 3 5 þ 50  2 125
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
c 7 32  27  2 98 þ 4 75 d 4 45  3 63 þ 5 80
pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi
e 800  2 243 þ 3 72  2 27 f 7 44  2 99
5 Simplify each expression. See Exercise 1-04
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 33 7 b 83 5 c 63 8
pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
d 5 3 11 e 72 4 12 f 98 3 7
pffiffiffiffiffi
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi 75
g 8 42 4 2 7 h 125 4 5 5 i pffiffiffi
3 3
pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
18 3 3 6 3 24 4 90 3 7pffiffiffiffiffi
8
j pffiffiffiffiffi k pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi l pffiffiffiffiffi
12 27 3 2 3 5 32 3 6 10
6 Expand and simplify each expression. See Exercise 1-05
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
a 3 2ð2 2  3Þ b 10ð1  5 2Þ
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
c ð3 5  2 7Þð3 7 þ 5Þ d ð 7  4Þ2
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
e ð5 3 þ 2Þ2 f ð3 7  2 5Þð3 7 þ 2 5Þ
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffi
g ð3 þ 4 7Þð4 7  3Þ h ð5 10  3 2Þð2 10 þ 5 2Þ
7 Rationalise the denominator of each surd. See Exercise 1-06

a p1ffiffiffiffiffi b p3ffiffiffi c p1 ffiffiffi

10 2 5 7
pffiffiffi pffiffiffi
3 ffiffiffi 5 3 4 þpffiffiffi 2
d p e pffiffiffi f
4 3 3 2 3 2

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