Discrete Mathematics with Applications 4th Edition

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 0-49539-132-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-49539-132-6

Chapter 4 - Elementary Number Theory and Methods of Proof - Exercise Set 4.7 - Page 212: 6

Answer

False

Work Step by Step

**Proof by Contradiction:** Assume, for the sake of contradiction, that \(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{6}\) is rational. Then there exists a rational number \(q\) such that \[ \frac{\sqrt{2}}{6} = q. \] Multiplying both sides by 6 (which is rational and nonzero), we obtain \[ \sqrt{2} = 6q. \] Since the product of two rational numbers is rational, \(6q\) is rational. Therefore, \(\sqrt{2}\) would be rational. This contradicts the well-known fact that \(\sqrt{2}\) is irrational. Hence, our assumption is false, and \(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{6}\) is irrational.
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