Reducing Surds (Leaving Cert Mathematics): Flashcards

Independent terms (like algebraic terms)

$\sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b}$

$x$

Never leave a surd in the denominator

Multiply numerator & denominator by $\sqrt{a}$

Multiply numerator & denominator by $\sqrt{a}$

$c-b\sqrt{a}$

$a\sqrt{b}-c\sqrt{d}$

The conjugate $c-b\sqrt{a}$

$3\sqrt{11}$

$\frac{\sqrt{5}}{5}$

$\frac{\sqrt{42}}{14}$

Removing surds from the denominator