Q. 280 - Intermediate Algebra

Question

In the following exercises, simplify.

$\frac{\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{s}+\sqrt{6}}$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The answer is $\frac{{\left(\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}\right)}^2}{s-6}$

Step 1. Given

The expression is $\frac{\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{s}+\sqrt{6}}$

Step 2. Rationalize the denominators of the given expressions.

$$\begin{gathered} \frac{\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{s}+\sqrt{6}} \\ =\frac{\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{s}+\sqrt{6}}\times \frac{\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}} \\ =\frac{{\left(\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}\right)}^2}{{\left(\sqrt{s}\right)}^2-{\left(\sqrt{6}\right)}^2} \\ =\frac{{\left(\sqrt{s}-\sqrt{6}\right)}^2}{s-6} \end{gathered}$$