Intermediate Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13417-894-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-13417-894-3

Chapter 7 - Section 7.5 - Multiplying with More Than One Term and Rationalizing Denominators - Exercise Set - Page 552: 139

Answer

False.

Work Step by Step

The given expression is $\frac{\sqrt3+7}{\sqrt3-2}=-\frac{7}{2}$ Solve left hand side. $=\frac{\sqrt3+7}{\sqrt3-2}$ The conjugate of the denominator is $\sqrt3+2$. Multiply the numerator and the denominator by $\sqrt3+2$. $=\frac{\sqrt3+7}{\sqrt3-2}\cdot \frac{\sqrt3+2}{\sqrt3+2}$ Use FOIL method in the numerator and the special formula $(A-B)(A+B)=A^2-B^2$ in the denominator. $=\frac{\sqrt3\cdot \sqrt3+2\cdot \sqrt3+7\cdot \sqrt3+7\cdot 2}{(\sqrt3)^2-(2)^2}$ Use product rule. $=\frac{3+2\sqrt3+7 \sqrt3+14}{3-4}$ Add like terms. $=\frac{17+9\sqrt3}{-1}$ $=-(17+9\sqrt3)$. Hence, the statement is false.
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