Rationalize a denominator that contains a single surd by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the same surd to eliminate the root from the denominator.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
rationalize a denominator that contains a single surd by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the same surd to eliminate the root from the denominator;
rationalize denominators that contain more complex expressions, such as the sum or difference of a rational number and a surd
National Curriculum Objectives
Key Stage 4: Number
calculate exactly with fractions, {surds} and multiples of π {simplify surd expressions involving squares [for example √12 = √(4 × 3) = √4 × √3 = 2√3] and rationalise denominators}
