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13. Prove that 3+2/5 is irrational. |
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Answer» Assume that the given real number is rational. This means that the number can be expressed in the form p/q where p and q belong to integers as well as are co-prime. So, 3 + 2root5 = p/q Or, 2root5 = p/q - 3 = (p -3q)/q Or,Root5 = (p-3q)/2q ....... (i) Now, (p-3q)/2q is a rational. So, irrational number ≠ rational number. This means root5 is rational. But, root5 is an irrational. How?? Assume root5 as rational. So, Root5 = a/b Where a and b are integers and co-primes. So, Squaring both sides:-5 = p²/q²So, p² =5q² ...... (ii) So, p² has 5 as a factor. So, p also has 5 as its factor for some integer c. Now,p =5c Or, p² =25c² Putting it in (ii) 5q² =25c² Or, q² = 5c² So, q² is a multiple of 5 So, q is also a multiple of 5. Now, Both p and q have a common factor 5 This means they are not co-primes but it is given that they are co-primes. Hence, it's a contradiction which has risen because of taking root5 as rational. So, root5 is irrational. Now, Back to the question. From (i) :- Root5 = (p-3q)/2q So, This is not possible as root5 is irrational and RHS of the equation is rational. As irrational ≠ rational. Hence, it is a contradiction. This has risen because of taking the given number (3 + 2root5) as rational number. This implies that 3 + 2root5 is an irrational number. |
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