WAEC Mathematics 2024 Question 6

Question 6

Surds

If (3 − 4√2)(1 + 3√2) = a + b√2, find the value of b.

  1. A.5
  2. B.−5
  3. C.−21
  4. D.21
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (5)

Explanation

Expanding: 3 + 9√2 − 4√2 − 24 = −21 + 5√2, so b = 5.