Submitted by FletchOnMaths on Sat, 07/22/2017 - 20:37
Forums:
Hi, could someone please explain why the given answer to this question does not simplify the two $ \frac {\sqrt{2}} {2} $ into $ \frac {{1}} {\sqrt{2}} $ ?
The answer I found was $ x = \frac {\pm 1 \pm i} {\sqrt {2}} $ which is equivalent to the answer in the hints unless I'm missing something deep and meaningful for which I should be very glad to be enlightened :-)
There's nothing wrong with
There's nothing wrong with writing it in either form given that a specific form hasn't been asked for. Some people prefer and might argue that rationalising the denominator of a final answer is good practice but I personally don't see a problem with an irrational denominator.
Aha! Thanks for that, I didn
Aha! Thanks for that, I didn't know about "rationalising the denominator" so I went a bit too far and derationalised it.
Now I've googled the phrase and there's quite a few hits with full explanations. Thanks!
Out of curiosity, was it not
Out of curiosity, was it not something you covered when studying for GCSE maths (or equivalent if you didn't do GCSE maths)?
Ah, I am found out. You are
Ah, I am found out. You are most probably correct, however my memories of my O level maths are a bit hazy, being over thirty years old now (sheepish grin). So why am I here? Officially to support a French Bac S student who is planning on sitting STEP in summer 2018, and who has no other STEP support - but I suspect it has a lot to do with the fact I have been surprised to find that this programme is simply the most interesting, challenging, enriching and rewarding pastime :-)
All are welcome here, Fletch!
All are welcome here, Fletch! Before I had to do STEP questions for work, I used to do them for fun :-)
Thank you for the welcome,
Thank you for the welcome, SophieGermain, and I'm glad you have found a way to be paid to have fun :-)
Also : interesting pseudonyms on this forum, I sense a common theme of honouring heroes ; is AdmiralHopper already taken?
Not that I know of!
Not that I know of!