Prove that the following number is irrational: $\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Let us assume,to the contrary,that $\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}$ is a rational number.
Let $\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3} = r$,where $r$ is a rational number.
Then,$\sqrt{5} = r + \sqrt{3}$.
Squaring both sides,we get: $(\sqrt{5})^2 = (r + \sqrt{3})^2$.
$5 = r^2 + 3 + 2r\sqrt{3}$.
$5 - 3 - r^2 = 2r\sqrt{3}$.
$2 - r^2 = 2r\sqrt{3}$.
$\sqrt{3} = \frac{2 - r^2}{2r}$.
Since $r$ is a rational number,$\frac{2 - r^2}{2r}$ must also be a rational number.
This implies that $\sqrt{3}$ is a rational number.
However,this contradicts the fact that $\sqrt{3}$ is an irrational number.
Therefore,our assumption that $\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}$ is rational is incorrect.
Hence,$\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{3}$ is an irrational number.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Explain why $3 \times 5 \times 7 + 7$ is a composite number.

The following real number is expressed in decimal form. Determine whether it is rational or not. If it is rational,express it in the form of $\frac{p}{q}$. $0.2\overline{35}$

Prove that $8^{n}$ cannot end in zero for any natural number $n \in N$.

If $n$ is a positive even integer,then $n(n+1)(n+2)$ is divisible by $\ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots .$

Prove that one and only one out of $n, n+2$ and $n+4$ is divisible by $3,$ where $n$ is any positive integer.

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo