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Prove that 3 + √ is an irrational number. plz give full explanation |
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Answer» Answer: Let us assume on the contrary that 3 is a RATIONAL number. Then, there exist positive integers a and b such that 3 = b a where, a and b, are co-prime i.e. their HCF is 1 Now, 3 = b a
⇒3= b 2
a 2
⇒3B 2 =a 2
⇒3 divides a 2 [∵3 divides 3b 2 ] ⇒3 divides a...(i) ⇒a=3C for some integer c ⇒a 2 =9c 2
⇒3b 2 =9c 2 [∵a 2 =3b 2 ] ⇒b 2 =3c 2
⇒3 divides b 2 [∵3 divides 3c 2 ] ⇒3 divides b...(ii) From (i) and (ii), we observe that a and b have at LEAST 3 as a common factor. But, this contradicts the fact that a and b are co-prime. This MEANS that our assumption is not correct. Hence, 3 is an irrational number. |
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