JOSHUA OBIBNE

3. MTH101 (3Units) : ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY

 Indices, Logarithm
 Surds
 Complex Numbers
 Binomial Theorem
 Summations and Product Notation
 Sets , Operation of sets ( Binary operation )
 Sequences and Series
 Quadratic Equations
 Polynomials
 Partial fractions
 Trigonometry

JOSHUA OBIBINE AKA ORACLE

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SURDS
EXPLAINED WITH
WORKED EXAMPLES

JOSHUA OBIBINE AKA ORACLE

JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

1. Introduction
FUNDAMENTALS OF SURDS
Presenting numbers in surd form is quite common in science and engineering
especially where a calculator is either not allowed or unavailable, and the
calculations to be undertaken involve irrational values. Common applications of
surds include solving a quadratic equation by formula and obtaining the values
of trigonometric angles.

We will be looking at this form of representation of numbers and how to carry out
theircalculations. One thing I should add at this point, and which you will soon
come to know better, is that surds share many things in common with complex
numbers.
Consequently, understanding one of the two will facilitate learning the other.

For this and other factors, attention will therefore be focused on the worked
examples with minimum notes in-between calculations. If you are already
familiar with surds, doproceed to the worked examples part of this booklet. Look
out for footnotes strategically placed to provide further information.

2. What is Surd?

A number of the form ±𝑛√𝗑, where 𝑛 ∈ Æ+ − [0, 1] and 𝗑 ∈ + , which cannot be

expressed exactly as a fraction of two integers is called a surd. In other words, a
surd isan irrational number of the form ±𝑛√𝗑 such that ±𝑛√𝗑 cannot be written
𝑏
as 𝑎
where
𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ Æ and 𝑏 G 0. Therefore, √2 , √3 , 3√4 and 5√7 are surds because they are
irrationalnumbers and cannot be written as exact ratio of two integers. Of course
their approximation can still be obtained using a calculator or other suitable
means. On the

contrary, √36 , √41 , 3√27 and are not surds. Why? Because they are rational
5√32

numbers and can be expressed as ratios of two integers, i.e.

6
√36 = 6 =
1
1 1
√ =
4 2
3 3
√27 = 3 =
1
and
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2
5√32 =2=
1

In surd operations, it is often common to see only cases where 𝑛 𝑛√𝗑 , that is to
= 2 in
say 2√𝗑 (or √𝗑 as it is generally written). This, where 𝑛 = 2, is an example of
quadraticsurds or quadratic irrationals. In similar terms, 3√𝗑 are called cubic surds.

Mixed or Compound Surds

You may recall that an improper fraction such3as 7 can be , this is referred
written as 1
23
to as a mixed fraction. Similarly when a number is made up of rational part and
irrational part (surd), it is called a mixed surd. The general expression for a
mixed surdis

𝑎 ± 𝑏 √𝑐

where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are rational numbers but √𝑐 is an irrational number, i.e. a surd.
The above is an example of a quadratic mixed surd. In general, a mixed surd can be
writtenas

𝑎 ± 𝑏𝑛√𝑐

Again, 𝑛 is any positive integer excluding 1 and 0.

On the other hand, a compound surd is made up of two irrational parts and takes
the general form of
𝑛
𝑛√𝑎 ± √𝑏

Analogically, a quadratic compound surd can be expressed as

√𝑎 ± √𝑏

However, sometime ‘mixed surd’ and ‘compound surd’ are used

interchangeably andtherefore refer to the same surd.

Similar Surds

Two quadratic surds ±√𝑎 and ±√𝑏 are said to be similar only if their radicands
are thesame, i.e. 𝑎 = 𝑏. Consequently, two similar surds can be combined
algebraically. For example, √7 and −√7 are similar surds. Similarly, −3√6 and
8√6 are similar and can
be combined to give a single surd as
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−3√6 + 8√6 = (−3 + 8)√6 = (5)√6 = 5√6

What about and 3√6 ? Yes they are similar surds because their radicands are the
−33√6
same and both are of cubic roots. This can therefore be combined, as in the previous
example, to obtain a single surd 53√6. On the other hand, although 5√6 and have
53√6
the same radicand and their coefficients are also the same, however they are not
similarsurds. This is because one is a square root while the other is a cubic root.

In general, two surds (quadratic or otherwise) and ±𝑚√𝑏 are said to be similar
±𝑛√𝑎
only if:

(i) their radicands are equal, i.e. 𝑎 = 𝑏, and

(ii) 𝑚 = 𝑛.

3. Rules of Surds

Essentially, there are two fundamental rules in surds

√𝑎 × √𝑏 = √𝑎 × 𝑏 but √𝑎 + √𝑏 G √𝑎 + 𝑏

and

√𝑎 𝑎
=√ but √𝑎 − √𝑏 G √𝑎 − 𝑏
√𝑏 𝑏

4. Conjugate Surds

Two surds are said to be conjugate of each other if their product gives rise to
a non-surd. In other words, their product is a rational number. For example,
given a mixedsurd of the form

𝑎 + 𝑏 √𝑐

the conjugate of this is another surd that is the same as the above surd with a difference
in their signs. In other words, the 𝑎 + 𝑏√𝑐 is 𝑎 − 𝑏√𝑐 . In the same vein,
conjugate ofthe conjugate
𝑎 − 𝑏√𝑐 is of
𝑎 + 𝑏√𝑐 .

To sum it up, the conjugate of a quadratic compound surd having the general
expression of √𝑎 + √𝑏 and 𝑎√𝑏 + 𝑐√𝑑 are of √𝑎 − √𝑏 and √𝑏 − 𝑐√𝑑 respectively.

Now it is your turn, what is the conjugate of

−𝑎 − 𝑏√𝑐 ? What is your answer? Its
−𝑎 + 𝑏√𝑐 3 𝑎 + 𝑏 √𝑐 𝑎 − 𝑏 √𝑐
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE
conjugate . I hope you did not consider or as
is either

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

both are incorrect. Why? This is simply because their products will not produce a
rational number. In addition, remember that we only need to change the sign
betweenthe two terms of the surd to obtain its conjugate and nothing more.

I have got another question for you. Ready? What is the conjugate ±of
√𝑎 ? Puzzled!
Well, we do not typically consider this as a problem. But going by our definition
of conjugates, the conjugate of ±√𝑎 is simply itself as this will produce a rational
number. However, there can be other possibilities in this case. For example, the
conjugate of √2
2
is √2 √2 × √2 = (√2) = 2 but √8 is a possibility since
because
√2 × √8 = √2 × 8 = √16 = 4 . What do you think about √32 ? Yes, it is also a
conjugate of √2 because √2 × √32 = √2 × 32 = √64 = 8 . In general, we only consider
the surd itself in this case.

5. Operation of Surds

We can apply the four main operations on surds as will be discussed shortly. In
this case, we need to distinguish between when the operations are to be applied
to singular surds or mixed surds.

Addition and Subtraction

Addition / subtraction of two or more singular surds can only be carried out if
they aresimilar as previously stated. No simplification is therefore possible if the
case is otherwise. It should further be mentioned that

√𝑎 + √𝑏 G √𝑎 + 𝑏

and

√𝑎 − √𝑏 G √𝑎 − 𝑏

On the other hand, in a mixed surd, the rational parts are added together and the
sameapplies to the irrational parts. For example,

(13 + 15√3) + (7 − 6√3) = (13 + 7) + (15√3 − 6√3)

= (20) + (9√3)
= 20 + 9√3

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Multiplication

Like with addition and subtraction, singular surds can only be multiplied if they
aresimilar. The product of two singular surds can be obtained as

√𝑎 × √𝑏 = √𝑎 × 𝑏
Similarly,
3 3
3√𝑎 × √𝑏 = √𝑎 × 𝑏

In
general,
𝑛 𝑛
𝑛√𝑎 × √𝑏 = √𝑎 × 𝑏

The above rule applies when two or more surds are multiplied. For example,

√6 × √3 × √2 = √6 × 3 × 2
= √36
=6
However, given that 𝑚 G 𝑛 then
𝑛 𝑚
𝑚√𝑎 × √𝑏 G √𝑎 ×
G 𝑛√𝑎 × 𝑏

When the multiplication involves a singular surd and mixed or compound

surds, wesimplify open the brackets. This is the same when the product of
two mixed or compound surds are to be computed. For example,

(2 + √3)(1 + √3) = 2(1 + √3) + √3(1 + √3)

= (2 × 1 + 2 × √3) + (1 × √3 + √3 × √3)

= (2 + 2√3) + (√3 + 3)
= (2 + 3) + (2√3 + √3)
= 5 + 3√3
Division

Division is the most complicated one. Do not worry, we can ‘chew and digest’ it.
The simplest case is when a singular surd is divided by another singular surd,
which can besimplified as

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

√𝑎 𝑎
=√
√𝑏 𝑏

Similarly,

3√𝑎 3 𝑎
3 =√
√𝑏 𝑏

In
general,
𝑛 √𝑎 𝑛𝑎
= √
𝑛
√𝑏 𝑏

Again, given that 𝑚 G 𝑛

then
𝑚√𝑎 𝑎 𝑛𝑎
𝑚

𝑛 G √ G√
√𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

Let us take an
example,

√18 18
=√
√2 2

= √9
=3
The above means of simplification is only suitable if the ratio of the two radicands
willgive an answer which is an integer, 𝑎 = Æ+, otherwise we need another means
𝑏
of
simplification. For
instance,
√20 20
=√
√6 6

10
=√
3

The above is not a simplified form. Therefore in this and similar cases, we
need aprocess called rationalisation.

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

6. Rationalisation

Rationalisation is a method of simplifying a faction having a surd either as its

denominator or as both the denominator and numerator such that it can be re-
written without a surd in its denominator. The surd in the denominator can
either be a singular,mixed or compound surd.

As shown above, a surd can be turn into a rational number by multiplying it with
its conjugate. For this reason, this process is often referred to as ‘rationalising the
denominator’. What we mean is that to simplify a fractional surd having a surd as
itsdenominator, we multiply its numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the
denominator.

Rationalising the denominator often takes the two following forms

𝑎 𝑎 √𝑏
= ×
√𝑏 √𝑏 √𝑏
𝑎√𝑏
=
𝑏
and

1 1 𝑎 − √𝑏
= ×
𝑎+√
𝑏 𝑎+√
𝑏 𝑎 − √𝑏
𝑎 − √𝑏
= 2
𝑎2 − (√𝑏)

𝑎 − √𝑏
=
𝑎2 − 𝑏

END OF FUNDAMENTALS OF SURDS

AND

BEGINNING OF WORKED EXAMPLES

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

WORKED EXAMPLES
Section 1: Simplification (I) = √99
(e) 2√12
1) Write each of the following surds as complete
Solution
square roots, i.e. √𝑎 .
2
2√12 = (√2) × √12
(a) 10√2 = √4 × √12
Solution = √4 × 12
2 = √48
10√2 = (√10) × √2
2) Express the following in the simplest possible
= √100 × √2
form, i.e. 𝑎√𝑏 .
= √100 × 2
= √200 (a) √27
(b) 7√3
Solution
Solution
√27 = √9 × 3
2
7√3 = (√7) × √3 = √9 × √3
= √49 × √3 = √32 × √3
= √49 × 3 = 3 × √3
= √147 = 3√3
(c) 5√6 (b) √96

Solution Solution
2
5√6 = (√5) × √6 √96 = √16 × 6

= √25 × √6 = √16 × √6
= √25 × 6 = √42 × √6
= √150 = 4 × √6
(d) 3√11 = 4√6

Solution NOTE

2
To simplify a surd, the radicand must be expressed
3√11 = (√3) × √11 in terms of a product of its largest perfect square,
= √9 × √11 which issometimes difficult to know. This can be
= √9 × 11 overcome if

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

the number is written as a product of its prime √175 = √25 × 7

factors. For example, = √25 × √7
98 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3
= √52 × √7
Since there are five twos, we can write
= 5 × √7
98 = (2 × 2) × (2 × 2) × (2 × 3)
= 5√7
= (4) × (4) × (6)
(g) √54
= 42 × 6
= 16 × 6 Solution

√54 = √9 × 6
(c) √44
= √9 × √6
Solution
= √32 × √6
√44 = √4 × 11 = 3 × √6
= √4 × √11 = 3√6

= √22 × √11 (h) √72

= 2 × √11 Solution
= 2√11
√72 = √36 × 2
(d) √250
= √36 × √2
Solution
= √62 × √2
√250 = √25 × 10 = 6 × √2
= √25 × √10 = 6√2

= √52 × √10 (i) √80

= 5 × √10 Solution
= 5√10
√80 = √16 × 5
(e) √52
= √16 × √5
Solution
= √42 × √5
√52 = √4 × 13 = 4 × √5
= √4 × √13 = 4√5
= √22 × √13 (j) √243

= 2 × √13 Solution
= 2√13
√243 = √81 × 3
(f) √175
= √81 × √3
Solution
= √92 × √3

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

= 9 × √3 √5 + √20 = √5 + √4 × 5
= 9√3 = √5 + (√4 × √5)
Section 2: Addition and Subtraction of = √5 + (2 × √5)
Surds = √5 + 2√5
= 3√5
3) Simplify each of the following.
(b) √8 + √8
(a) 3√5 + 5√5
Solution
Solution
√8 + √8 = √4 × 2 + √4 × 2
3√5 + 5√5 = 8√5
= (√4 × √2) + (√4 × √2)
(b) 2√6 − 4√6
= (2 × √2) + (2 × √2)
Solution = 2√2 + 2√2

2√6 − 4√6 = −2√6 = 4√2

Alternatively
(c) 3√3 + 4√3 + 5√3
,
√8 + √8 = 2√8
Solution
= 2√4 × 2
3√3 + 4√3 + 5√3 = 12√3
= 2 × √4 × √2
(d) 25√17 − 6√17 − 12√17 = 2 × 2 × √2
Solution = 4 × √2
= 4√2
25√17 − 6√17 − 12√17 = 7√17

(e) 3√2 − 5√3 − 2√2 + 2√3

as before.
Solution (c) √75 − √27

3√2 − 5√3 − 2√2 + 2√3 = √2 − 3√3 Solution

√75 − √27 = √25 × 3 − √9 × 3
NOTE = (√25 × √3) − (√9 × √3)
Remember that we can only add similar surds. √2 = (5 × √3) − (3 × √3)
is not similar to √3 , therefore no further = 5√3 − 3√3
simplification ispossible in the question above. = 2√3

(d) √45 − √125

4) Simplify each of the following.
Solution

(a) √5 + √20
√45 − √125 = √9 × 5 − √25 × 5
Solution = (√9 × √5) − (√25 × √5)

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

= (3 × √5) − (5 × √5) = √4 × 3 + √25 × 3 − √64 × 3

= 3√5 − 5√5 = (√4 × √3) + (√25 × √3) − (√64 × √3)

= −2√5 = (2 × √3) + (5 × √3) − (8 × √3)

(e) √63 − √112 = 2√3 + 5√3 − 8√3

= −√3
Solution
(d) √1000 + √1210 + √1440
√63 − √112 = √9 × 7 − √16 × 7
Solution
= (√9 × √7) − (√16 × √7)
= (3 × √7) − (4 × √7) √1000 + √1210 + √1440
= 3√7 − 4√7 = √100 × 10 + √121 × 10 + √144 × 10
= −√7 = (√100 × √10) + (√121 × √10)
5) Evaluate each of the following. + (√144 × √10)
= (10 × √10) + (11 × √10) + (12 × √10)
(a) √48 + √27 + √12
= 10√10 + 11√10 + 12√10
Solution
= 33√10

√48 + √27 + √12 (e) 10√20 − 4√45 − √80

= √16 × 3 + √9 × 3 + √4 × 3
Solution
= (√16 × √3) + (√9 × √3) + (√4 × √3)
10√20 − 4√45 − √80
= (4 × √3) + (3 × √3) + (2 × √3)
= 10√4 × 5 − 4√9 × 5 − √16 × 5
= 4√3 + 3√3 + 2√3
= (10 × √4 × √5) − (4 × √9 × √5)
= 9√3
− (√16 × √5)
(b) √18 + √32 + √50
= (10 × 2√5) − (4 × 3√5) − 4√5
Solution
= 20√5 − 12√5 − 4√5
√18 + √32 + √50 = 4√5
= √9 × 2 + √16 × 2 + √25 × 2 (f) 2√18 − 4√72 − √50 + 3√98
= (√9 × √2) + (√16 × √2) + (√25 × √2)
Solution
= (3 × √2) + (4 × √2) + (5 × √2)
2√18 − 4√72 − √50 + 3√98
= 3√2 + 4√2 + 5√2
= 2√9 × 2 − 4√36 × 2 − √25 × 2 + 3√49 × 2
= 12√2
= (2 × √9 × √2) − (4 × √36 × √2)
(c) √12 + √75 − √192
− (√25 × √2)
Solution
+ (3 × √49 × √2)
√12 + √75 − √192 = (2 × 3√2) − (4 × 6√2) − 5√2 + (3 × 7√2)

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

= 6√2 − 24√2 − 5√2 + 21√2

In the questions to follow, we will be applying the
= −2√2 fact that for 𝗑 ≥ 0
(g) 2√48 + 5√54 − √75 − 2√24
√𝗑 × √𝗑 = 𝗑 and 3√𝗑 × 3√𝗑 × 3√𝗑 = 𝗑
Solution In general,

2√48 + 5√54 − √75 − 2√24 𝑛√𝗑1 × 𝑛√𝗑2 × 𝑛√𝗑2 × … × 𝑛√𝗑𝑛−1 × 𝑛√𝗑𝑛 = 𝗑

𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝗑1 = 𝗑2 = 𝗑 3 … 𝗑𝑛−1 = 𝗑𝑛
= 2√16 × 3 + 5√9 × 6 − √25 × 3 − 2√4 × 6
This is a special case of multiplication rule where
= (2 × √16 × √3) + (5 × √9 × √6)
the radicands are equal.
− (√25 × √3)
− (2 × √4 × √6)
(a) √2 × √2
= (2 × 4√3) + (5 × 3√6) − (5√3) − (2 × 2√6)
= 8√3 + 15√6 − 5√3 − 4√6 Solution

= 3√3 + 11√6 2
√2 × √2 = (√2)
(h) 4√8 − 2√75 + √200 − 3√48 + 5√45
=2
Solution (b) √7 × √7

4√8 − 2√75 + √200 − 3√48 + 5√45 Solution

= 4√4 × 2 − 2√25 × 3 + √100 × 2 − 3√16 × 3 2
√7 × √7 = (√7)
+ 5√9 × 5
=7
= (4 × √4 × √2) − (2 × √25 × √3)
(c) √24 × √24
+ (√100 × √2)
Solution
− (3 × √16 × √3)
2

+ (5 × √9 × √5) √24 × √24 = (√24)

= 24
= (4 × 2√2) − (2 × 5√3) + 10√2 − (3 × 4√3)
(d) √−1 × √−1
+ (5 × 3√5)

= 8√2 − 10√3 + 10√2 − 12√3 + 15√5 Solution

= 8√2 + 10√2 − 10√3 − 12√3 + 15√5 2

√−1 × √−1 = (√−1)
= 18√2 − 22√3 + 15√5 = −1
Section 3: Multiplication of Surds
NOTE
In complex numbers,
6) Evaluate each of the following.
j = √−1
and
Hint j2 = −1

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

(e) 3√4 × 3√4 × 3√4 = −√62

Solution = −6

3
(d) √2 × √32
3√4 × 3√4 × 3√4 = ( 3√4)
Solution
=4
(f) 4√25 × 4√25 × 4√25 × 4√25 √2 × √32 = √2 × 32

Solution = √64

4 4 = √82
4
√25 × 4√25 × 4√25 × 4√25 = ( √25)
=8
= 25
(e) √3 × √27
(g) 5√16 × 5√16 × 5√16 × 5√16 × 5√16
Solution
Solution
√3 × √27 = √3 × 27
5
5√16 × 5√16 × 5√16 × 5√16 × 5√16 = ( 5√16) = √81
= 16
= √92
7) Simplify the following. =9
8) Simplify each of the following.
(a) √2 × √8

Solution (a) 3√2 × 5√8

√2 × √8 = √2 × 8 Solution

= √16
3√2 × 5√8 = 3 × 5 × √2 × √8
= √42 = 15 × √2 × 8
=4 = 15 × √16
(b) √2 × √18 = 15 × 4

Solution = 60
(b) 10√3 × 6√3
√2 × √18 = √2 × 18
Solution
= √36
= √62 10√3 × 6√3 = 10 × 6 × √3 × √3
2
=6 = 60 × (√3)
(c) −√3 × √12 = 60 × 3
Solution = 180

(c) 2√6 × 5√7

−√3 × √12 = −√3 × 12
Solution
= −√36

14
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

2√6 × 5√7 = 2 × 5 × √6 × √7 √63 63

=√
= 10 × √6 × 7 √7 7

= 10 × √42 = √9
= 10√42 =3

(d) −2√3 × 4√10 √125

(c)
√5

Solution
Solution
−2√3 × 4√10 = −2 × 4 × √3 × √10 √125 125
= −8 × √3 × 10
= −8 × √30 =√
√5 5
= √25
= −8√30
=5
(e) 4√10 × 3√8 8√12
(d)
2√3
Solution
Solution
4√10 × 3√8 = 4 × 3 × √10 × √8
= 12 × √10 × 8 8√12 8 12
= ×√
2√2 2 3
= 12√80
= 12 × √16 × 5 = 4 × √4

= 12 × 4√5 = 4×2
=8
= 48√5
5√35
Section 4: Division of Surds (Basic) (e)
15√7

Solution
9) Simplify each of the following leaving the
answer in the simplified form, i.e. with a 5√35 5 35
= ×√
rational denominator. 15√7 15 7
1
(a) √8 = × √5
3
√2
1
= √5
Solution 3
(f) √ 1
√8 8 4
=√
√2 2
Solution
= √4
=2 1 √1
√ =
√63
4 √4
(b)
√7
1
=
Solution 2

15
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

1
(g) √ 18 = √13
50 13
(c) 5
Solution 6√2

Solution
18 9
√ =√
50 25 5 5
=[ ] × [ √2]
6√2 6√2 √2
√9
=
√25
3 = 5√2 2
6(√2)
=
5
5√2
10) Simplify each of the following. =
6×2
5
= √2
Hint 12
NOTE
In the questions to follow, we will need to In this and similar cases, do not use the whole of
rationalise the denominator. the denominator to rationalise. Instead, take only
the surdpart and leave out the coefficient while
(a) 1 rationalising since the latter is already a rational
√2
number.
Solution
(d) 1
5√5
1 1 √2
=[ ]×[ ] Solution
√2 √2 √2
√2 1 = [ 1 ] × [√5]
= 2
(√2) 5√5 5√5 √5
√5
√2 = 2
=
12 5(√5)
= √2
2 √5
=
5×5
(b) 1 1
√13 = √5
25
Solution (e) 10
√5

1 1 ] × [√13 Solution
=[ ]
√13 √13 √13
10 10 √5
√13 =[ ]×[ ]
= 2
(√13) √5 √5 √5
√13 10√5
= = 2
13 (√5)

16
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

10√5 4√15 15 5
= 5 = 4√ = 4√
6 2
= 2√5 √6

(f) 21 4√5 4√5 √2

= =[ ]×[ ]
√3 √2 √2 √2

Solution =
4√5 × 2
2
(√2)
21 21 √3
=[ ]×[ ] 4√10
√3 √3 √3 =
2
21√3
= 2 = 2√10
(√3)
NOTE
21√3
= In this type of questions, it is convenient to apply
3
the rule shown below and then rationalise the
= 7√3
11
denominator. This is because rationalising will lead
(g)
√11 to a big number as the radicand, which might then
be cumbersome to

Solution simplify.

11 11 √11 √𝑎 𝑎
=√
=[ ]×[ ] √𝑏 𝑏
√11 √11 √11
11√11 √15
= 2 (j)
√6
(√11)
11√11 Solution
=
11
√15 √15 √6
= √11 =[ ]×[ ]
√6 √6 √6
(h) 8√3
√2
√15 × 6 √90
= 2
=
(√6) 6
Solution
√9 × 10
8√3 8√3 √2 =
=[ ]×[ ] 6
√2 √2 √2 √9 × √10
8√3 × 2 =
6
= 2
(√2) 3 × √10
=
6
8√6 1
= = √10
2
2
= 4√6 √3+√2
(k) √3
4√15
(i) √6
Solution
Solution

17
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

√3 + √2 √3 + √2 √3 = 2√3
=[ ]×[ ]
√3 √3 √3 NOTE
√3(√3 + √2) (√3) 2 + (√3 × √2) Alternatively,
= =
(√3)
2 3 3 3 √3
√27 − = √9 × 3 − [ × ]
3 + √3 × 2 √3 √3 √3
= 3
1 1 = 3√3 − [ 3√32 ]
3 + √6
= or (3 + √6) or 1 + √6 (√3)
3 3 3
3√3
2√5−15√3 = 3√3 −
(l) 3
√5

Solution = 3√3 − √3
= 2√3
2√5 − 15√3 2√5 − 15√3 √5
=[ ]×[ ] as
below.
√5 √5 √5
√5(2√5 − 15√3) √7−4
= 2 (n)
√7
(√5)
2 Solution
2(√5) − 15(√3 × √5)
=
5 √7 − 4 √7 − 4 √7
2(5) − 15√3 × 5 =[ ]×[ ]
= √7 √7 √7
5
√7(√7 − 4)
10 − 15√15 = 2
= (√7)
5
2
10 15√15 (√7) − 4√7
= − =
5 5 7
= 2 − 3√15 7 − 4√7
=
(m) √27 − 3 7
√3
7 4√7
= −
Solution 7 7
4
3 = 1 − √7
√27 − √27 × √3 − 3 7
=
√3 √3 Section 5: Powers of Surds
√27 × 3 − 3
=
√3 11) Find the square of each of the following surds.
√81 − 3 9−3
= =
√3√3 (a) 2√5
6 √3 6
= =[ ]×[ ] Solution
√3 √3 √3
2 2
6 × √3 6√3 (2√5) = (2 × √5)
= 2
=
2
(√3) 3 = 22 × ( √5)

18
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

= 4×5 = 7 × 4 × 11
= 20 = 308

(b) 7√3 (g) 2√5 × 3√2

Solution Solution
2 2 2 2 2
(7√3) = (7 × √3) (2√5 × 3√2) = (2√5 ) × (3√2)
2 2 2
= 72 × (√3) = 22 × ( √5) × 3 2× (√2)
= 49 × 3 = 4× 5×9× 2
= 147 = 360

(c) 10√8 12) Find the cube of each of the following

singular surds.
Solution
2 2
(10√8) = (10 × √8) (a) 23√3
2
= 102 × (√8) Solution
= 100 × 8 3 3 3 3
(2 √3) = (2 × √3)
= 800
3 3
= 23 × ( √3)
(d) 9√7
= 8×3
Solution
= 24
2 2
(9√7) = (9 × √7) (b) 53√4
2
= 92 × (√7) Solution
= 81 × 7 3 3 3 3
(5 √4) = (5 × √4)
= 567
3 3
= 53 × ( √4)
(e) 6√6
= 125 × 4
Solution
= 500
2 2
(6√6) = (6 × √6) (c) 33√13
2
= 62 × (√6) Solution
= 36 × 6 3 3 3 3
(3 √13) = (3 × √13)
= 216
3 3
= 33 × ( √13)
(f) √7 × 2√11
= 27 × 13
Solution
= 351
2 2
(√7 × 2√11) = (√7 × 2 × √11) (d) 103√5
2 2
= (√7) × 2 2× (√11) Solution

19
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

3 3 3 3
(10√ 5) = (10 × √ 5) = (3√8 × 3√3) + 3√3
3
3
= 10 × (√ 5)
3 = (2 × 3√3) + 3√3

= 1000 × 5 = 23√3 + 3√3

= 5 000 = 33√3
13) Simplify the following, giving the answer in (c) 4√162

the form of 𝑎 3√𝑏. Solution

4√162 = 4√81 × 2
Hint
= 4√81 × 4√2
In general, = 4√ 34 × 4√2
𝑛√𝑎𝑛 =𝑎 = 3 × 4√2
Also note = 34√2
that
𝑛
𝑛√ 𝑎𝑛 = ( 𝑛√ 𝑎) (d) 4√2 − 4√162

Solution
(a) 3√40
4√2 − 4√162 = 4√2 − (4√81 × 2)
Solution
= 4√2 − (4√81 × 4√2)
3√40 = 3√8 × 5 = 4√2 − ( 4√ 34 × 4√2)
= 33√8 × 3√5 = 4√2 − (3 × 4√2)
3
= √23 × √5 4 4
= √2 − 3 √2
= 2 × 3√5
= −24√2
= 23√5
(e) 5√192
(b) 3√40 + 3√5
Solution
Solution
5√192 = 5√32 × 6
3√40 + 3√5 = 3√8 × 5 + 3√5 5 5
= √32 × √6
= (3√8 × 3√5) + 3√5
= 5√ 25 × 5√6
= ( 3√23 × 3√5) + √5
3
= 2 × 5√6
= (2 × 3√5) + 3√5 = 25√6
= 23√5 + 3√5 (f) 5√192 + 5√6

= 33√5 Solution
(f) 3√24 + 3√3
5√192 = 5√32 × 6 + 5√6

Solution
= (5√32 × 5√6) + 5√6
3√24 + 3√3 = 3√8 × 3 + 3√3

20
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

14√2
= ( 5√25 × 5√6) + 5√6 =
= (2 × 5√6) + 5√6 2
= 7√2
= 25√6 + 5√6
NOTE
= 35√6 Alternatively,
(g) 4√64 + 4√4 10 10 √2
+ √8 = [ × ] + √4 × 2
Solution √2 √2 √2
10√2
4√64 + 4√4 = 4√16 × 4 + 4√4 =[ 2] + 2√2
(√2)
= (4√16 × 4√4) + 4√4 10√2
= + 2√2
= (2 × 4√4) + 4√4
2
= 24√4 + 4√4 = 5√2 − √2
= 34√4 = 3√2
Section 6: Simplification (II) as
below.

14) Simplify each of the following. (b) 2 + 1

√8 √2

Solution
Hint
2 1 2 1
+ = +
In the questions to follow, we can either simplify √8 √2 2√2 √2
the fractions and then rationalise the 2+2 4
= =
denominator
or vice versa. It appears that we may need 2√2 2√2
4 √2
toadopt the two approaches as deemed =[ ]×[ ]
2√2 √2
appropriate.
4√2
= 2
10 2(√2)
(a) + √8
√2
4√2 4√2
= =
Solution 2×2 4
= √2
10 10 + √2 × √8 1 1
+ √8 = (c) −
√2 √3
√2 √2
10 + √16 Solution
=
√2
10 + 4 14 1 1 √3 − √2
= = − =
√2 √3 √2 × 3
√2 √2
14 √2 14√2 √3 − √2
=
= [ ]×[ ]= 2 √6
√2 √2 (√2)

21
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

(√3 − √2) √6 5√2 3√2

=[ ]×[ ] = −
√6 √6 2 6

√6(√3 − √2) 15√2 − 3√2

= 2
=
6
(√6)
12√2
√3 × 6 − √2 × 6 =
= 6
6
= 2√2
√18 − √12
= 15) Given that √2 = 1.414, √3 = 1.732 , √5 =
6
√9 × 2 − √4 × 3 2.236 and √7 = 2.646, evaluate each of the
=
6 following giving your answers correct to 4
(3 × √2) − (2 × √3) significant figures.
=
6
1
= (3√2 − 2√3) (a) √20
6
(d) √5 + 1 Solution
2 √3

Solution √20 = √4 × 5 = 2√5

= 2(2.236)
√5 1 √3
√5 1 = + [ × ] = 4. 472
+
2 √3 2 √3 √3
(b) √300
√5 √3
= +
2 (√3)2 Solution

√5 √3 √300 = √100 × 3 = 10√3

= +
2 3
= 10(1.732)
(3 × √5) + (2 × √3)
= = 17. 32
2×3
3√5 + 2√3 (c) √112
=
6 Solution
(e) 5 − √3
√2 √6
√112 = √16 × 7 = 4√7
Solution = 4(2.646)

√2 √3 √6 = 10. 58
5 √3 5 × ]−[ × ] (d) √8 − 3
− =[
√2 √6 √2 √2 √6 √6
5√2 √3 × 6 Solution
= 2 − 2
(√2) (√6)
√8 − 3 = √4 × 2 − 3
5√2 √18 = 2√2 − 3
= −
2 6
= 2(1.414) − 3
5√2 √9 × 2
= − = 2.828 − 3 = −0.172
2 6
= −0. 1720

22
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

(e) 2√27 + 3√80 = [4 × 2] + [6(√2 × 3)]

Solution + [6(√2 × 3)] + [9 × 3]

= 8 + 6(√6) + 6(√6) + 27
2√27 + 3√80 = 2√9 × 3 + 3√16 × 5
= 8 + 27 + 12√6
= (2 × 3√3) + (3 × 4√5)
= 35 + 12√6
= 6√3 + 12√5 2
= 6(1.732) + 12(2.236) (c) (3√6 − 4√5)
= 10.392 + 26.832 = 37.224 Solution
= 37. 22
2
Section 7: Opening Brackets (3√6 − 4√5) = (3√6 − 4√5)(3√6 − 4√5)
= [3√6(3√6 − 4√5)] − [4√5(3√6 − 4√5)]
16) Evaluate each of the following surds, leaving = [3√6(3√6)] + [3√6(−4√5)] − [4√5(3√6)]
the answers in their forms without brackets. − [4√5(−4√5)]
2
= *32 × (√6) + − [(4 × 3)(√6 × √5)]
2
(a) (√7 + 2)
− [(4 × 3)(√5 × √6)]
2
Solution + *42× ( √5) +
2
(√7 + 2) = (√7 + 2)(√7 + 2) = [9 × 6] − [12(√5 × 6)] − [12(√5 × 6)]
+ [16 × 5]
= √7(√7 + 2) + 2(√7 + 2)
= 54 − 12(√30) − 12(√30) + 80
= √7(√7) + 2(√7) + 2(√7) + 2(2)
= 54 + 80 − 24√30
= 7 + 4(√7) + 4
= 134 − 24√30
= 11 + 4√7
2 17) By opening the brackets, simplify the
(b) (2√2 + 3√3)
following.
Solution
2
(2√2 + 3√3) = (2√2 + 3√3)(2√2 + 3√3) Hint

= [2√2(2√2 + 3√3)]
+ [3√3(2√2 + 3√3)]
= [2√2(2√2)] + [2√2(3√3)]
(a) √3 − √2(√6 − √24)
+ [3√3(2√2)] + [3√3(3√3)]
2 Solution
= *22× (√2) +
√3 − √2(√6 − √24)
+ [(2 × 3)(√2 × √3)]
= [√3] − [√2(√6)] − [√2(−√24)]
+ [(2 × 3)(√2 × √3)]
2 = √3 − √2 × 6 + √2 × 24
+ *32× (√3) +

23
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

= √3 − √12 + √48 Solution

= √3 − √4 × 3 + √16 × 3 (4√3 − 2)(5√10 + √3)

= √3 − 2√3 + 4√3 = [4√3(5√10)] + [4√3(√3)] − [2(5√10)]
= 3√3 − [2(√3)]
(b) (5 − √3)(√3 + 6) 2
= [(4 × 5)√3 × 10] + *4(√3) + − [(2 × 5)√10]
Solution
− [2√3]

(5 − √3)(√3 + 6) = (20√30) + (4 × 3) − (10√10) − (2√3)

= [5(√3 + 6)] − [√3(√3 + 6)] = 20√30 + 12 − 10√10 − 2√3

= (5√3) + (5 × 6) − (√3 × √3) − (6√3) = 12 + 20√30 − 10√10 − 2√3

= 5√3 + 30 − 3 − 6√3 Section 8: Conjugates & Rationalisation

= 27 − √3
18) Simplify the following.
(c) (√15 − √3)(√6 + √2)

Solution
Hint
(√15 − √3)(√6 + √2)
In the questions to follow, we will be dealing
= [√15(√6 + √2)] − [√3(√6 + √2)]
with conjugates and therefore, it is to be
= [√15(√6)] + [√15(√2)] − [√3(√6)] rememberedthat
− [√3(√2)] 2 2
(√𝑎 + √𝑏)(√𝑎 − √𝑏) = (√𝑎) − (√𝑏)
= √15 × 6 + √15 × 2 − √3 × 6 − √3 × 2
or to be more general,
= √90 + √30 − √18 − √6
2 2
= √9 × 10 + √30 − √9 × 2 − √6 (𝑎√𝑏 + 𝑐√𝑑)(𝑎√𝑏 − 𝑐√𝑑) = (𝑎√𝑏) − (𝑐√𝑑)

= 3√10 + √30 − 3√9 − √6 This is an application of the ‘difference of two

= 3√10 + √30 − 3√9 − √6 squares’.

(d) (√5 + √2)(√2 − √3)

(a) (1 − √7)(1 + √7)
Solution
Solution
(√5 + √2)(√2 − √3)
2
= [√5(√2)] − [√5(√3)] + [√2(√2)] (1 − √7)(1 + √7) = 1 2− (√7)
− [√2(√3)] = 1−7
= √5 × 2 − √5 × 3 + √2 × 2 − √3 × 2 = −6

= √10 − √15 + 2 − √6 (b) (√6 + 2)(√6 − 2)

= 2 + √10 − √6 − √15 Solution

(e) (4√3 − 2)(5√10 + √3)

24
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

2
1 1 √2 − 1
(√6 + 2)(√6 − 2) = (√6) − 22 =[ ]×[ ]
= 6−4 √2 + 1 √2 + 1 √2 − 1

=2 √2 − 1
=
(√2 + 1)(√2 − 1)
(c) (3 − √17)(3 + √17)
√2 − 1
=
Solution 2
(√2) − 12
2
(3 − √17)(3 + √17) = 32 − (√17) √2 − 1
=
2−1
= 9 − 17
= √2 − 1
= −8
(b) 5
(d) (√13 + √5)(√13 − √5) 2−√3

Solution Solution

2 2 5 5 2 + √3
(√13 + √5)(√13 − √5) = (√13) − (√5) =[ ]×[ ]
2 − √3 2 − √3 2 + √3
= 13 − 5
5(2 + √3)
=8 =
(2 + √3)(2 − √3)
(e) (4√5 + √11)(4√5 − √11)
5(2 + √3)22
=
Solution − (√3)
2

2 2 5(2 + √3)
(4√5 + √11)(4√5 − √11) = (4√5) − (√11) =
4−3
= 16(5) − 11
= 5(2 + √3)
= 80 − 11
= 10 + 5√3
= 69
(c) 12
√15−3
(f) (8√3 − 2√15)(8√3 + 2√15)

Solution Solution

2 2 12 12 √15 + 3
(8√3 − 2√15)(8√3 + 2√15) = (8√3) − (2√15) =[ ]×[ ]
√15 − 3 √15 − 3 √15 + 3
= 64(3) − 4(15)
12(√15 + 3)
= 192 − 60 =
(√15 − 3)(√15 + 3)
= 132
12(√15 + 3)
19) Simplify the following by rationalising the = 2
(√15) − 32
denominators. Leave your answers in
12(√15 + 3)
simplified form. =
15 − 9
12(√15 + 3)
(a) 1 =
√2+1 6
= 2(√15 + 3)
Solution

25
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

2
= 6 + 2√15 2 ()
(√3) + 1 + 2 1 (√3)
= 2
(d) 1
5√7+4√11
(√3) − 1 2
3 + 1 + 2√3
Solution =
3−1
1 4 + 2√3
1 =[ 5√7 − 4√11
]×[ ] =
5√7 + 4√11 5√7 + 4√11 5√7 − 4√11 2
= 2 + √3
5√7 − 4√11
= 3+√5
(5√7 + 4√11)(5√7 − 4√11) (g)
3−√5

=
5√7 − 4√11 Solution
2 2
(5√7) − (4√11)
5√7 − 4√11 3 + √5 3 + √5 3 + √5
= =[ ]×[ ]
175 − 176 3 − √5 3 − √5 3 + √5
2
5√7 − 4√11
= (3 + √5)
−1 =
(3 − √5)(32 + √5)
= 4√11 − 5√7 2
( )
√6−√3 3 + (√5)
2 + 2 3 (√5)
(e) = 2
√5−√2 3 − (√5)

Solution 9 + 5 + 6√5
=
9−5
√6 − √3 √6 − √3 √5 + √2 14 + 6√5
=[ ]×[ ] =
√5 − √2 √5 − √2 √5 + √2 4
(√6 − √3)(√5 + √2)
= 1
= (7 + 3√5)
(√5 − √2)(√5 + √2) 2
√3+√2
(h)
√6 × 5 + √6 × 2 − √3 × 5 − √3 × 2 √3−√2
= 2 2
(√5) − (√2) Solution
√30 + √12 − √15 − √6
= √3 + √2 √3 + √2 √3 + √2
5−2 =[ ]×[ ]
√30 + √4 × 3 − √15 − √6 √3 − √2 √3 − √2 √3 + √2
= 2
3 (√3 + √2)
1 =
= (√ 30 + 2√3 − √15 − √6) (√3 − √2)(√3 + √2)
3
√3+1
(f) 2 2
√3−1
(√3) + (√2) + 2(√3
2
× 2)
= 2
Solution (√3) − (√2)

3 + 2 + 2√6
√3 + 1 √3 + 1 √3 + 1 =
=[ ]× [ ] 3−2
√3 − 1 √3 − 1 √3 + 1 = 5 + 2√6
(√3 + 1)(√3 + 1)
= (i)
√2+5√18
(√3 − 1)(√3 + 1) √2−5√18

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 JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

Solution surds.

√2 + 5√18 √2 + 5√18 ] × [√2 + 5√18 ] (a) 11 + 2√28

=[
√2 − 5√18 √2 − 5√18 √2 + 5√18
(√2 + 5√18)(√2 + 5√18) Solution
=
(√2 − 5√18)(√2 + 5√18)
Let the square root of 11 + 2√27 be √𝑎 +
2 2
(√2) + (5√18) + 2(√2)(5√18) √𝑏 for which 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ . Therefore
= 2 2
(√2) − (5√18) 2
11 + 2√28 = (√𝑎 + √𝑏 )
2 + (25 × 18) + 2(5)(√2 × 18)
= = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 2√𝑎𝑏
2 − 450
2 + 450 + 10√36 Comparing the two sides of the above
=
2 − 450 equation,we have
452 + 10(6) 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 11 − − − − − (i)
=
−448
and
512
=
−448 2√𝑎𝑏 = 2√28
8 Divide both sides by 2
=−
7 √𝑎𝑏 = √28
NOTE
Square both sides
It is obvious from the last few worked examples
𝑎𝑏 = 28 − − − − − (ii)
thatdividing a surd by its conjugate can either
From (i)
result in arational or irrational number. This is
𝑏 = 11 − 𝑎 − − − − − (iii)
in contrary to when they are multiplied together,
Substitute equation (iii) in equation (ii),
which always results in a rational answer.
𝑎(11 − 𝑎) = 28
11𝑎 − 𝑎2 = 28
Section 9: Finding Roots of Surds
𝑎2 − 11𝑎 + 28 = 0
(𝑎 − 4)(𝑎 − 7) = 0
Hint
Therefore,
either
In this section, we will use the following 𝑎−4 =0
propertyof surds, i.e. equality of surds. 𝑎=4

Given that
or
𝑎−7 =0
𝑎1 ± √𝑏1 = 𝑎2 ± √𝑏2
𝑎=7
then
Now we need to find the corresponding
𝑎1 = 𝑎2 and 𝑏1 = 𝑏2
valuesfor 𝑏, thus
when 𝑎 = 4, from (iii)
20) Find the square roots of each of the 𝑏 = 11 − 4 = 7
following
and when 𝑎 = 7, from (iii)

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

𝑏 = 11 − 7 = 4 or

Taking the square root of 11 + 2√27 to be 𝑥−5=0

√𝑎 + √𝑏 for which 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ implies 𝑥=5

Now we need to find the corresponding
√𝑎 + √𝑏 = √7 + √4
and valuesfor 𝑦, thus
when 𝑥 = 27, from (iii)
√𝑎 + √𝑏 = √4 + √7
𝑦 = 32 − 27 = 5
These are the same.
and when 𝑥 = 5, from (iii)
∴ √(11 + 2√28) = √4 + √7 𝑦 = 32 − 5 = 27

(b) 32 − 6√15 Taking the square root of 32 − 6√15 to be

√𝗑 − √𝑦 for which 𝗑, 𝑦 ∈ implies
Solution
√𝑥 − √𝑦 = √27 − √5
Let the square root of the 32 − 6√15 be √𝗑
− = 3√3 − 5
√𝑦 for which 𝗑, 𝑦 ∈ . Therefore,
and
2
32 − 6√15 = (√𝑥 − √𝑦 )
√𝑎 + √𝑏 = √5 − √27
= 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2√𝑥𝑦
= √5 − 3√3
Comparing the two sides of the above
∴ √(32 − 6√15) = ±(3√3 − √5 )
equation,we have
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 32 − − − − − (i) Section 10: Advanced Simplification
and
3√2+5√6
21) Express 3√2−5√6 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏√𝑐 where 𝑎,
−2√𝑥𝑦 = −6√15
𝑏 and 𝑐 are rational numbers. State the values
Divide both sides by −2
of 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐.
√𝑥𝑦 = 3√15
Square both sides Solution
𝑥𝑦 = 135 − − − − − (ii)
3√2 + 5√6 3√2 + 5√6 3√2 + 5√6
From (i) =[ ]×[ ]
3√2 − 5√6 3√2 − 5√6 3√2 + 5√6
𝑦 = 32 − 𝑥 − − − − − (iii)
(3√2 + 5√6)(3√2 + 5√6)(3√2
Substitute equation (iii) in equation (ii), =
− 5√6)(3√2 + 5√6)
𝑥(32 − 𝑥) = 135 2 2
*(3√2) + + *(5√6) + + [2(3√2)(5√6)]
32𝑥 − 𝑥2 = 135 =
2 2
𝑥2 − 32𝑥 + 135 = 0 (3√2) − (5√6)

(𝑥 − 27)(𝑥 − 5) = 0 [9 × 2] + [25 × 6] + [2(3 × 5)(√2 × 6)]

=
(9 × 2) − (25 × 6)
Therefore, either
𝑥 − 27 = 0 18 + 150 + 30√12
=
18 − 150
𝑥 = 27

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

168 + 60√3 8 − 3√7

= =
−132 64 − 63
168 60√3 = 8 − 3√7
=− −
132 132 Hence
14 5
=− − √3 1
11 11 𝛽+ = (8 + 3√7) + (8 − 3√7)
𝛽
14 5
∴ 𝑎 = − ,𝑏 = − and 𝑐 = 3 = 8 + 8 = 16
11 11
22) Evaluate 1
∴𝖰+ = 16
𝖰
5 + √3 √5 + 2
÷ 24) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏 for which
√5 − 2 √2
5
− √2 = 𝑎 + 𝑏√2
Solution 2√2 + 3

5 + √3 √5 + 2 5 + √3 √2 Solution
÷ =[ ]×[ ]
√5 − 2 √2 √5 − 2 √5 + 2
LHS
√2(5 + √3)
= 5 5 − √2(2√2 + 3)
(√5 − 2)(√5 + 2) − √2 =
2√2 + 3 2√2 + 3
(5√2) + (√2 × √3) 2
= 2 5 − 2(√2) − 3√2
(√5) − 22 =
2√2 + 3
5√2 + √6 5 − 4 − 3√2
= =
5−4 2√2 + 3
= 5√2 + √6 It is time to rationalise the above surdic
23) Given that 𝛽 = 8 + 3√7 , find 𝛽 + 1 in the expression
𝛽

form 𝑎 + 𝑏√𝑐 where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are rational 1 − 3√2 1 − 3√2 2√2 − 3

= =[ ]×[ ]
2√2 + 3 2√2 + 3 2√2 − 3
numbers.
(1 − 3√2)(2√2 − 3)(2√2
Solution =
+ 3)(2√2 − 3)
Given
that
2

2√2 − 3 − 6(√2) + 9√2

𝛽 = 8 + 3√7 = 2 2
(2√2) − 3
then = 2√2 + 9√2 − 3 − 12
1 1 8−9

=
𝛽 8 + 3√7 = −(11√2 − 15)
1 8 − 3√7
=[ ]×[ ] = 15 − 11√2
8 + 3√7 8 − 3√7
Therefore,
8 − 3√7
= 5
(8 + 3√7)(8 − 3√7) − √2 = 𝑎 + 𝑏√2
2√2 + 3
8 − 3√7 implies
=
(8)2 − (3√7)
2 that
15 − 11√2 = 𝑎 + 𝑏√2

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JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

Comparing both sides, we have This

implies
𝑎 = 15, 𝑏 = −11 tan 15° = tan(60° − 45°)

NOTE Thus
𝐴 = 65° and 𝐵 = 45°
5
In this question, we may alternatively simplify in
2√2+3
Hence
the first place, which gives 15 − 10√2, and then
tan 𝐴 − tan 𝐵
subtract √2 . tan(𝐴 − 𝐵) =
1 + tan 𝐴 tan 𝐵
⟹
Section 11: Some Application of Surds tan 15° = tan(60° − 45°)
(Geometry & Trigonometry) tan 60° − tan 45°
=
1 + tan 60° tan 45°

25) Find the length of the line joining 𝐴 (−5, − 2) √3 − 1 √3 − 1

= =
1 + (√3 × 1) √3 + 1
and 𝐵 (−3, 4) in a Cartesian plane, leaving the
√3 − 1 √3 − 1
answer in surd form. =[ ]×[ ]
√3 + 1 √3 − 1
Solution (√3 − 1)
2

=
The length of AB is given (√3 + 1)(√3 − 1)
by
2
̅𝐴̅𝐵̅= √(𝑥 − 𝑥 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦 )2 (√3) − 2(√3)(1) + 12
2 1 2 1
=
where (𝑥 , 𝑦 ) and (𝑥 , 𝑦 ) are the two points (√3)2 − 1 2
A
1 1 2 2

and B respectively connecting the line AB. For 3 − 2√3 + 1

=
thiscase 3−1
(𝑥1, 𝑦1) = (−5, − 2) 4 − 2√3 2(2 − √3)
= =
2 2
and 27) If sin 𝜃 = 2 without using a calculator, find the
3 = 2 − √3
(𝑥2, 𝑦2) = (−3, 4)
value of tan 𝜃, leaving the answer in
∴ ̅𝐴̅𝐵̅= √(−3 + 5)2 + (4 + 2)2 = √(2) 2 + (6)2 simplified surd form.
= √4 + 36 = √40
= √4 × 10 = √40 × √10

= 2 × √10 Solution

= 2√10 Given that

26) Given that tan 45° = 1 and tan 60° = √3 , find 2
sin 𝜃 =
the value of tan 15, leaving the answer in 3
We know
simplified surd form . that
sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1
Solution
which
tan 𝐴 ± tan 𝐵 cos2 𝜃 = 1 − sin2 𝜃
tan(𝐴 ± 𝐵) = implies
1 ± tan 𝐴 tan 𝐵
cos 𝜃 = √1 − sin2 𝜃

30
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

substitute for sin 𝜃 wher

e ̅𝐴̅𝐵̅= 𝑐 = √3 − 1 𝑐𝑚
2 2 4
∴ cos 𝜃 = √1 − ( ) = √1 −
3 9 ̅𝐵̅𝐶̅= 𝑎 = √3 − 1 𝑐𝑚

5 ̅𝐴̅𝐶̅= 𝑏
9−4
=√ = √ Also
9 9
,
∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 = ∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 = 30°
√5 √5
= = ∴ ̅𝐴̅𝐵̅= ̅𝐵̅𝐶̅
√9 3
∴ 𝐵̂= 180° − (∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 + ∠𝐴𝐶𝐵)
But
sin 𝜃 = 180° − (30° + 30°)
tan 𝜃 = = 120°
cos 𝜃
Now substitute for sine and cosine of We can now find the length 𝐴𝐶 as
𝜃 2 2
𝑏 2 = (√3 − 1) + (√3 − 1)

2⁄3 − 2(√3 − 1)(√3 − 1) cos 120°

= 2 2
√5⁄3 = 2(√3 − 1) − 2(√3 − 1) cos(−60°)
2 3 2 2
= [ ]×[ ]= = 2 *(√3) + (−1)2 − 2√3+
3 √5 √5
2 √5
= [ ]×[ ] 2 1
√5 √5 − 2 ((√3) + (−1)2 − 2√3) (− )
2
2√5 = 2[3 + 1 − 2√3] + (3 + 1 − 2√3)
= 2
(√5)
= 2[4 − 2√3] + (4 − 2√3)
2
= √5 = 3[4 − 2√3]
5
28) In a triangle ABC, ̅𝐴̅𝐵̅= ̅𝐵̅𝐶̅= √3 − 1 𝑐𝑚 and = 12 − 6√3

∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 = 30°, without using a calculator find ∴ 𝑏 = √(12 − 6√3)

the length of AC.
Let the square root of the 12 − 6√3 be √𝗑 −
Note that
√𝑦 for which 𝗑, 𝑦 ∈ . Therefore,
sin 30° = cos 60° = 2 and sin 60° = cos 30° =
1 √3
2 2
12 − 6√3 = (√𝑥 − √𝑦 )
Solution = 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2√𝑥𝑦

B Comparing the two sides of the above

equation,we have
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12 − − − − − (i)
and
A C
−2√𝑥𝑦 = −6√3
Using cosine rule, we have
Divide both sides by −2
𝑏2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐2 − 2𝑎𝑐 cos 𝐵
√𝑥𝑦 = 3√3

31
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

Square both
sides
END OF WORKED EXAMPLES
𝑥𝑦 = 27 − − − − − (ii)

From (i)
𝑦 = 12 − 𝑥 − − − − − (iii)
Substitute equation (iii) in equation (ii),
𝑥(12 − 𝑥) = 2712𝑥
− 𝑥2 = 27
𝑥2 − 12𝑥 + 27 = 0
(𝑥 − 9)(𝑥 − 3) = 0
Therefore,
either
𝑥−9=0
𝑥=9

or
𝑥−3=0
𝑥=3
We now need to find the corresponding values for
𝑦, thus
when 𝑥 = 9, from (iii)
𝑦 = 12 − 9 = 3
and when 𝑥 = 3, from (iii)
𝑦 = 12 − 3 = 9
Hence, the square root of the 12 − 6√3 are

√𝑥 − √𝑦 = √9 − √3
= 3 − √3
and

√𝑎 + √𝑏 = √3 − √9
= √3 − 3

∴ √(12 − 6√3) = ±(3 − √3)

Since the length AC can only be a positive

value,the only answer here is
̅𝐴̅𝐶̅= 3 − √3 𝑐𝑚

∴= √3 − 3 i𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡i𝑣𝑒

32
JOSHUA OBIBINE ORACLE

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