Rationalise the denominator: 1/(sqrt(5) - sqrt(3)).
Answer:
Step-by-step solution
Step 1: Identify the conjugate
To rationalize a denominator of the form , we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by its conjugate. The conjugate of is . This is because when we multiply a binomial by its conjugate, we use the identity , which eliminates the square roots.
Step 2: Multiply by the conjugate
We multiply the given fraction by a fraction equivalent to 1, which is . This operation does not change the value of the original expression but helps in rationalizing the denominator.
Step 3: Simplify the numerator
Multiplying the numerator by 1 simply results in the conjugate itself, which is .
Step 4: Simplify the denominator
Using the algebraic identity , we can simplify the denominator. Here, and . So, . This eliminates the square roots from the denominator.
Step 5: Write the rationalized expression
By combining the simplified numerator and denominator, we get the final rationalized expression. The denominator is now a rational number (2).