JAMB Mathematics 1991 Question 11

Question 11

Surds

Simplify 1/(3 + √5) − 1/(3 − √5)

  1. A.−½√5
  2. B.½√5
  3. C.−¼√5
  4. D.0
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (−½√5)

Explanation

Over the common denominator (3 + √5)(3 − √5) = 4, the top is (3 − √5) − (3 + √5) = −2√5. So the answer is −2√5/4 = −½√5.