Problem 25
Question
Rationalize each denominator. See Examples 1 through 3. $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{12 z}} $$
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
The rationalized form is \( \frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z} \).
1Step 1: Identify the Problem
We need to rationalize the denominator of \( \frac{1}{\sqrt{12z}} \). This means eliminating the square root from the denominator.
2Step 2: Multiply by the Conjugate
To remove the square root, multiply the numerator and denominator by \( \sqrt{12z} \). This is akin to multiplying by 1 and will not change the value of the expression. So, we have:\[\frac{1 \cdot \sqrt{12z}}{\sqrt{12z} \cdot \sqrt{12z}} = \frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z}\]
3Step 3: Simplify the Expression
The denominator \( \sqrt{12z} \cdot \sqrt{12z} = 12z \). Therefore, our resulting fraction becomes:\[\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z}\]This is the rationalized form of the compound fraction, as the denominator no longer contains a square root.
Key Concepts
Square RootsSimplifying ExpressionsCompound Fractions
Square Roots
Square roots are mathematical concepts used to find a number, which when multiplied by itself gives the original number. In our exercise, the expression involves the square root of a product, specifically \(\sqrt{12z}\). Understanding this helps in rationalizing the denominator.
When we have a square root in the denominator, like \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{12z}}\), our goal is to remove it to make calculations simpler. Square roots can make division complicated, hence mathematicians usually prefer to have denominators without square roots, known as rationalizing.
The process of rationalization involves multiplying by an expression that will "cancel out" the square root. In the case of our problem, multiplying by \(\sqrt{12z}/\sqrt{12z}\) is like multiplying by 1, so it doesn't change the value of the term, but it does eliminate the square root from the denominator.
When we have a square root in the denominator, like \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{12z}}\), our goal is to remove it to make calculations simpler. Square roots can make division complicated, hence mathematicians usually prefer to have denominators without square roots, known as rationalizing.
The process of rationalization involves multiplying by an expression that will "cancel out" the square root. In the case of our problem, multiplying by \(\sqrt{12z}/\sqrt{12z}\) is like multiplying by 1, so it doesn't change the value of the term, but it does eliminate the square root from the denominator.
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is an essential skill in algebra, which involves reducing expressions to their simplest form. In our exercise, simplifying plays a crucial role after rationalizing to ensure the expression is manageable and easier to understand.
After multiplying \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{12z}}\) by \(\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{\sqrt{12z}}\), we simplify the resulting expression \(\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z}\). Here, the operation of squares helps because \(\sqrt{12z} \cdot \sqrt{12z}\) results in \(12z\). This action replaces the complex square root with an integer or simpler expression.
In algebra, simplification helps us to clearly see what we are working with and makes it easier to further manipulate the expressions if needed, like in solving equations or performing operations.
After multiplying \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{12z}}\) by \(\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{\sqrt{12z}}\), we simplify the resulting expression \(\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z}\). Here, the operation of squares helps because \(\sqrt{12z} \cdot \sqrt{12z}\) results in \(12z\). This action replaces the complex square root with an integer or simpler expression.
In algebra, simplification helps us to clearly see what we are working with and makes it easier to further manipulate the expressions if needed, like in solving equations or performing operations.
Compound Fractions
Compound fractions are fractions within fractions, which can look complicated. They can include square roots, similar to our initial expression \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{12z}}\).
The key to dealing with compound fractions is to simplify them to a single fraction, which usually involves rationalizing and then simplifying further. As seen in our solution, the expression was originally a compound faction due to the square root in the denominator.
By understanding compound fractions, we are equipped to transform and work with expressions to reach more practical forms, like \(\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z}\), which now contains a single, simpler fraction. This transformation helps in calculations by making the expressions less cumbersome.
The key to dealing with compound fractions is to simplify them to a single fraction, which usually involves rationalizing and then simplifying further. As seen in our solution, the expression was originally a compound faction due to the square root in the denominator.
By understanding compound fractions, we are equipped to transform and work with expressions to reach more practical forms, like \(\frac{\sqrt{12z}}{12z}\), which now contains a single, simpler fraction. This transformation helps in calculations by making the expressions less cumbersome.
Other exercises in this chapter
Problem 25
Use the quotient rule to simplify. See Examples 2 and 3 . $$ \sqrt{\frac{x^{2} y}{100}} $$
View solution Problem 25
Add or subtract. $$ a^{3} \sqrt{9 a b^{3}}-\sqrt{25 a^{7} b^{3}}+\sqrt{16 a^{7} b^{3}} $$
View solution Problem 26
Find each cube root. $$ \sqrt[3]{x^{15}} $$
View solution Problem 26
Multiply or divide. See Example 2. $$ \frac{\sqrt{-40}}{\sqrt{-8}} $$
View solution