(a) If 2\sqrt{2} is given as an irrational number, then prove that (5−22)(5 - 2\sqrt{2}) is an irrational number. OR (b) Check whether 6n6^n can end with the digit 0 for any natural number n.

Answer: (a) 5−225 - 2\sqrt{2} is an irrational number. (b) 6n6^n cannot end with the digit 0 for any natural number nn.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Assume the opposite for part (a)

For part (a), we will use the method of contradiction. We assume that 5−225 - 2\sqrt{2} is a rational number, denoted by rr. A rational number can be expressed as a fraction p/qp/q where pp and qq are integers and q≠0q \neq 0.

Step 2: Isolate 2\sqrt{2}

Now, we rearrange the equation to isolate 2\sqrt{2}. Subtract rr from both sides and add 222\sqrt{2} to both sides, then divide by 2. This gives us 2=5−r2\sqrt{2} = \frac{5 - r}{2}.

Step 3: Contradiction for part (a)

Since rr is a rational number, 5−r5-r is also rational, and 5−r2\frac{5-r}{2} is rational. This means the right-hand side of the equation is rational. However, we are given that 2\sqrt{2} is irrational. An irrational number cannot be equal to a rational number. This is a contradiction, which proves our initial assumption was false.

Step 4: Conclusion for part (a)

Therefore, our initial assumption that 5−225 - 2\sqrt{2} is rational must be false. Hence, 5−225 - 2\sqrt{2} is an irrational number.

Step 5: Analyze prime factors for part (b)

For part (b), a number ending with the digit 0 must have 10 as a factor, which means it must have both 2 and 5 as prime factors. Let's find the prime factorization of 6n6^n. We can write 66 as 2×32 \times 3. So, 6n=(2×3)n=2n×3n6^n = (2 \times 3)^n = 2^n \times 3^n.

Step 6: Check for prime factor 5

According to the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, the prime factorization of any natural number is unique. The prime factors of 6n6^n are only 2 and 3. There is no factor of 5 in the prime factorization of 6n6^n.

Step 7: Conclusion for part (b)

Since the prime factorization of 6n6^n does not contain 5, 6n6^n cannot be divisible by 10, and therefore, it cannot end with the digit 0 for any natural number nn.

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