L61-

Ir

Indices and Surds

Struct tire
61. INDICES
62. POSITIVE INDICES
61. FRACTIONAL INDICES
6 , 4. OPERATION WITH POWER FUNCTIONS
65. SURDS
6'6. OPERATIONS ON SURDS
67. RATIONALISING FACTOR
68. ROOT OF MIXED SURDS
Objectives
After study ing this chapter, you should be able to understand
• Indices ; posifivefractionai indices, and opera/ions on them.
• Surds, operations on surds, rationalising of surds and calculation of
root of a surd.
61. INDICES
We are aware of certain operations of addition and multiplication
and now we take up certain higher order operations with powers and
roots under the respective heads of indices and surds.
The knowledge of these rules is indispensable for any serious mathe-
matical manipulation. We will deal with indices and surds in this chapter
and the use of logarithms to help simplifying these operations in the next
chapter.
We know that the result of a repeated addition can be had by
multiplication, e.g.,
4+4+4I-4+4"5(4)20 or
a+a+a+a+a=5(a)=5a.
Likewise the repeated multiplication can be reduced to a power func-
tion as follows
4x4X4X4x4=4
axaXQxaxaa5
INDICES AND SURDS 143

It may be noticed that in the first case 4 is multiplied 5 times and

in the second case 'a' is multiplied S times. In all such cases a factor
which multiplies is called the "base" and the number of limes it is
multiplied is called the "power" or the "index". Therefore, ''4'' and ''a"
were the bases and "5" was the index for both. Remember that the
base has to be same in order to convert a piodmict fuiictiojj into a power
function. in the above case the index Was positive and integral but it
can he negative or fractional which we shall consider later.
62. POSITIVE INDICES
In a posihve index the base multiplies a given number of times
depending on the power or the value of the index. In case of a negative
index it is reciprocal of the base which multiplies a number of times
depending on the value of the negative intle. 'The formal definition and
the fundamental rules of operations with positive index are given below
which would be relevant in other cases also.
Definition. If n is a positive integer, and o ' a real number, i.e., nE N
and aE' R. a' is used to denote the contunied product of n factors each equal
to 'a' shown below
araxax ......ton factors.
where a is called the index or the exponent of base a.
Laws of Indices. If a. hER in, rzCN, then
I.
Proof, a" x a" ('a.a a.. .10 rn factors) X (a.a.a....to ii factors)
=a. a. a.. to (rn±n) factors
-am " (by definition)
This is called the Fundamental Index Law.
II. aM

a"' a. a. a... tn factors

Proof.
a. act
(i) If m>n, there will be (?n—n) factors of 'a', it being more in the
numerator than in the denominator. Cancelling with n common factors
from the numerator and the denominator, we are left with (m - a) factors
of a in the numerator.
±a"axaxa ... (in — pm) factors =am—n
(ii) If in=n, there are same number of factors of a in the numerator
and denominator which cancel away.
(iii) If in <n, there are (n — rn) extra factors of a in the denominator.
Cancelling the common in factors from the numerator and the denomi-
nator, we are left with extra (n—rn) factors of a in the denominator.
1 1
• a"'-i-a=- -
a. a . a ... (n—rn) factors
III. (a") = an"
144 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
Proof (a)=am a' a'...n factors
•a • a ... rn
factors) x(a a . a ... n, factors)
x(a . a a— in factors)•

a . a ... (mn) factors

a"
Iv (ab) "
Proof (a /,)m=(a b) x (a . b)x ...rn factors
a a. rn factors) x (h
• b...rn factors• •

-a- x b"'
a \' m
V f
I) ) - I)"

Proof /a )--(2-,". (\
--- ). factors
- a a . a ... rn factors a"
•

bh./...mfactors brn
Remark. The above laws can he extended to the case involving
three or more power functions. It should be remembered that powers
arc added for multiplication and subtracted for division Simple addition
or subtraction of power functions is not possible,
There can be a negative integral index to any base except 0 and I in
a power function. When this is there, the power function becomes the
reciprocal of the function having a positive index. For example
0m= -a' where a^0 or I

Thus, a negative integral index makes the power function an inverse

of the one with a positive integral index. The only restriction is that the
base is not Oor 1.

flistrations. I. 3=
4
3. amX a"=a tm•41
4. (1 Xa= --- =a
atm
ZERO AND UNITY INDEX
The general principle is that anything other than zero raised to the
power zero is one, i.e.,
a=x°=5°=1,
Thus
As a rule any base raised to unity or 1 is equal to the base itself
a1=a ; 51_5
INDICES AND SURDS 145

POWER RAISED TO A POWER

A power function can be raised to a power as given below

However, this will not be the same as the whole function being
raised to a power, in that case the power will multiply as given below
(a3 ) 3 =a6 , ( 4a 2 ) 3=43 . a=640
x"_ — x(-" ; and (x_)=x*
63. FRACTIONAL INDEX
In a positive fractional index the numerator represents the power and
the denominator, the root. For example
L I 1
x 2 =/x./x 2. 3. x=/
P
q ==/ x'. In particular, we have

(1) 16 2 ==j16r4,

(ii) 64=64=4, and (lit) 16 T ='(l6)

Note that in the (Iii) above, the fraction has been broken into
( 3 x This is necessary before transforming a power function with
a fractional index in the radical form
P
Meaning of a q , where p and q are any two positive integers.
Since a' xa n =a"+ n holds true for all values of n and n, putting
we have
q
L L.LL
a q xaq = a q q =a q

q
1_fl Xq
Similarly xa q x a q >< ...q factors=a\ q ,,
(p )

Therefore a q represents the q root of the pk

power of a. In a


BUSIN3 MATUBMATXS
146
P
like manner, a q =(V—
a) 1 , represents the p' power of the q" root
of a.
In case. the fractional index is negative, the function is transformed
into the reciprocal of one with a positive fractional index as shown
below:
L1 1 1 _
1. Xq=-,2. x=:cr7i=i/:y:

3. 8T==7"T
2 1 1 1 1

64. OPERATIONS WITH POWER FUNCTIONS

The two operations involved in power functions are multiplication
and division. As indicated earlier power functions cannot be added or
subtracted so as to derive a new resultant function.
Multiplication with Common Base. In the case of multiplication
of two or more power functions with a common base, the powers are
added, in other words, the base is raised to the sum of the indices. The
formulae is
x1" X X" X X X"t'
For example a6 x t,0=a'+4=a'0

This can be shown as follows:

Also {axaXaxaXaxa)X{aXaXaXa)a'°
But remember
DIvI.Ion with a Common Base. In this case, the base will be
raised by the difference of the indices. The formulae is
am
(i) a"-* atm = = a* (where m>n)
a 1
and "-a1=—
-.
a'1
(where n<n)

For example
a' axa>axaxaxaxa
=a'- 5 =at
a5 aXqxaxaxa
as axaxaXaXa
and 7$
a7aXaxaXaXaXaXO at

Illustrations
1. 232 =2g.


IND1CS AND SURDS 147
1
a- tm I b b
2. (1) :; T=
1 1
(ii) - amxO
am
a Simplify (4 x') 3 (6x3)2
(2, 0) (3—x i)-3
4x 6'x 64x 6 36.x6
which is

=l6x 6_8 +4 x6=16o+xo

52
l6+ --=-- (... o)

5 1 1
4. /a =a 3 =(a) 3 =(a3)G= (f5._/5
3
5. 16 —.L
/16 8
1 -
6. 841=r7- 7.

8. If a 2 = , 01 then a'=a' . a=0J x /O1=O1 x 1=001

1 3
9. If x 2 =2 then x 2 =x x 2 =04x2='008
1
then a-4=----= 1 1 1
10. If a=8
a4 a2 x& 8x8 64
ii. If 2a then . 22=4a

and
.
3 1 1
12. x 2 x 7 . x T can also be expressed as
3 1 1 5
2 2orx2

Multiplication of Factors with Different Bases. The rules for

this can be stated as follows
(1) axbtm=(ab)m (ii) a" . b" . c , = (abc)-
148 BUSINaSS MATHEMATICS

3x54=(3X5)'=(15)4
We can prove the formula a," . bl =(ab)- as follows:
a"' . b"=(ax ax ..... . to in factors)x
(bxbx ..... . tomfactors)
=(a x b) x (ax b)..... . to m factors

Division of Factors with Different Bases. The rule for the

purpose can be stated as follows
am (O\m
Fb)

We can prove the formula (-)r( .. ) as follows:

am axaxa ...... to m factors

bxbb ...... ton factors

............ ...... tomfactors

(a
kb
Illustrations:
1. To which power should we raise x 218 to get x?
3 2 3
X
(x213) 2 - x 3 2

2. If a'= 4 andb 2 =a,find b and bL2.

If b'=a then b==a3=4

and bI2=(a=(4)2=16
Example 1. Find the value of (f) (81) 5 and (II) (001)'1
Solution. (i) slh1.j8l 9
(Ii) ((y3)

Example 2. Express (I) 00001 and (ii) &/ fi6 into index form.

Solution. (I)
100000=006=
(ii) JIOO=/1O2=10
36 . 27 . 94
Example 3. Simplify 3. (81)


INDICES AND SURDS 149
(32)4
Solution. Given expression=35
- -(33)8

25 19 28 15+9+8 322
__. _ 3 22_27 35
3 316 31+I6 317

9(4")2
Example 4. Simplify
16''-2"
32
Solution. Given exPreSSiOfl=(24)'+1-2'+'. (23)*

32.(22-)2 32 24*
2 4 1 +4 ()Sx 24*+4__24*+1

3'.2" 32 9
2 2 4 _24x . 2' = =

y2
Example 5. Simplify
t1x3
X4/7 . X815 Y2
Solution. -
y 5 1 5 . X815 . x5I8
S
Xe -
F1 —y (. x-)
M

Example & Simplify pv/n.xp

çi;• f 1.
- m it
q
Solution. Given expression= - —m
x'

(n+m) i)(m+n)
(++

(m+n)

5 3 3
Ezampl7. Divide x8.y


150 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

I 5 5
and multiply the quotient by x'10 . y 3 .z 7 Evaluate for x=16, y216
5 3 3 5 2 3 4 3 8
Solution. x . T . z 5 y $ 3 . z ' 7
248
x 5 .y 3 . z7

9 - 29 5
yThT z i (*)
1
5 5
Now, multiplying () by x40 y . z 7 • we get the product as
29 5 5 5
x40 40y15+3z7+T

10 4 14
=X Q y 4 * y 15
15 za—x zo

If x=16, y==2 15 , the given expression

161 " (2)1 " 2 1
(216)4 1 2' 16 8
7 5.
5- 72 2 5_I p 2
Example S. Stnplify (52 7_I)
7

7 5
51 72 ( LL:_T) 2
Solution. Given expression= (51 x
)2

2 X [ 5 -1-3 73+51-T
7 5
_(5-3 76) 2 (5 . 78) 2
21 25 21 25
2 721 5 2 72052 +T

=5'. 71=175

Example 9. Find the value of

I 'I'
(O3)" 3

(09)' 1 (3)-' l2 y)-' (243)-114



INDICES AND SURDS 151
Solution- Let
( 3 \i/ ( 1 \i4 '(81 Y13
x—
ioJ 27) 9)I0O
-
—I (2 —1/4
( 1- ) "" (3) ) —" (243 )
\ 1/2 / 1/4 )t/2( 34 '2/3
(-2- )
r) (32
( \2(3 1,4
3%- 3 1 )—s( 36
i ) ()"(-r )

1 1 1 2
x 10_1) 3 x (3)4x (32)6 x (34 x 101) 3
2 1
x(3 3 x I0-') 3 x(3) 2 x(3')'x(35) '
1 3 i
31/3 x 10— T x34x31/x38f3x10 3
4
X3 3 x102'3x31'3X3'x3'/4
1 3 1 8 4 I 5 1 4 2
334+3+33+2+42 x10333

==3. 10-1==0.3

—9
__
x
Example 10. Simplify
•j: jy
I
Solution. Removing the radical signs, the given expression
9
x211 x8/5 x 7 y'/2
- TXy2,3< y'P >(7

2 2 9 3 1 I 2

= x2y o= 1

Example ii. (a) Simplify

2+ $ x 31 x 5mf,+ ax 61
x 10773 X —15-

152 BUSINESS MAThEMATICS
(b) Obtain the simplest value of
(22n _3 . 22n_2)(3 1 _2 . 31-2)

Solution. (a) Let the given expression b

2+ 1 x 32--n x 5m+n+ x 6"
x
6"'1x JO" 3 x 15'
- 2 m+3 x 32_ny 5m+'+8 x (2 3)n+i
- (2. 3)' + 'x(2. 5)"43x(3

2111+3 x 3"- x 5sm4-n+8 x 2'x 3n+1

2Th+1 x 3n+i x 2 n +3 X 59+ x 3m x 5"'
=21+n+l_1-_1 x 3$m-n++I-n_1_m >< 5MR43.3..
=2°3°5°= 1
(2'"-3 . 2' 22)(3n2 3' . 3.4)
(b) The expression- 3n 3(2'" 43_.22n)
2
2mn( 1_3)3n (i_v)
(1181). 221(64_1)
1 7
7 81
x-O'25
93ir
4 x 20- x 12"-' x 15.4n-1
Example 12. (a) Simplify: 4
16" x 5 1 ' 9,-'
(J.C.W.A., June 199(1)
(32"5> 32n_2)(5._3 x Sn_I)
(b) Simplify:
[1.C. WA., December 19901

Solution. (a) 4"x20'"-'>< 12m_,x 15-f"-'

We have

(22)" x (22 x 5)- -'x (2' x 3)'"-"> (3x 5)+vt

= (2) x 52m+ x (33)_1
2' x 2""'x 5a-.1 x 22 "' x 3'"" X 3+'-Z < 5'+.2
=
5m-24m4n-2-Im--n

= 2'x3°x5- 3 = 15$=O.002


INDICES AND SURDS 153

(b) We have
(3 1n - 5 X 3211_3)(5n_ 3>< 511-.2) 32n_2(32. 5) 5" - 2(5 2 — 3)
n_4(9?I+3_.31n)
5 = 5n-4 3(31_1)
5 2 x4x22 275
32< =0 34
9r 32 (3)-_27 1
Example 13. 33m .2' =-,prove that m=l+n.

Solution. We are given that

9n .3$ (3-n)-1_. 27n 1
33 23 27
(32)n 31 (3_.)_1(38)r
I
33m23 27
3 3143 j
* 3311+2-33n
____
3m 2' 27 ' 3'"' . 2' 27
3'(9-1)l1 33n—Sf'=3—$
3 3 - . 8 27
3n-3m=-3

Hence m=n+1
Example 14. Show that

911+
T \/TflI
(a)
{( 3V_27

16(32)'"--2-'(4)-+i )M_1
(b)
V 5ø
Solution.

(3 2 ) 4 ( 3 n + 1 ) 2n
(a) L.H.S.==
f
3. (3-)i
I
3
211+ 2

=[
32

232 .3('2)]


14 BUS1NS3 MATHEMATICS

1 i+I
[ 2n+
=2
3 2

I
= [3i =33=27=R.H,S.
24(26r_21m_l(22)_e+x 5(5 5—')
(1,) L.H.S.= 15(21)(24).1 -
(5*.)2
5r1-1+1
=
15(2m_l # 4 ) - 5-
2'"(2'— 1)
15(2 1 " . 21)
2-5 0 =2 0 . 2-50=2---1=1=R.H.S.
Example 15. Show that
X 4 \+' ( xb \+ f ø
(1) (-? X\)

(II) Xi+

-
—i? r+ p'i?T ( p+q '—q
('ii) ( E) P
X( p_q) X
=1
Solution,
/ a b b+ Xi \I
(i) L.H.S.= i) x) X—)
=(x &) a x (x_c)b*t x (xf
a*_hi xx b'—c' xx C1_Qa
a 1 - bt+ b1 - c' + C*_ at
=x0 = 1=R.H.S.
1 1 1
r rXVJFS

(ii) L.H.S.=[-J X L-J XL-1J

1 1
[xn2_P*]T±Px[x?2—uu2JP+m

Xn—P Xx?m

= 1 =R.H.S.

INDICES AND SURDS
155
r q+r t+4' p+g
(Iii) L.H.S. = L . (r-_p)(p._q) x
) x(q—')(r—p)
r (q—r)(p+r)+(r+p)(,_p4 (p±qXp.—q)
==L (p—q)(q—r)fr—p)

r g'—r1+r'-_p1Ipj
X (p—q)(q—r)(r—p, J=xo =I = R.H.S.
Example 16. If X + y + z O, show that
a". • • • 71 • . a ' - ' . •
(I.C.W.A. 1 December 1989)
Solution. We have
L.H.S. =a•' -1 Z1
a'' Y
Z' aXYl zI

=a('I yz ) +( y'/xz)+(z'lxy)

=a XZ
Now x3 + y' + Z3 _3Xyz=(x-f--yz1ys +
Z1—xy — xz —yz)
=0 as X +y + zr=0 (given)
x+Y3+z_-3xyz
Substituting the value of x3 +y3 -{--z in (1), we get

L.H.S.=a Xy
=a3=R.H.S.
Example 17. Find

X =(xV)c
xs/x
Solution. x
X. . x'I2)'
3
xX3hI=(/t)x
=x2
31 3
xl=-x

i.e., X+
\2J 4


156 BUSLN8S MAThMATIc

Example 18. (a) Show that

1 1 __ 1
=

(b) Simplify the expression

I I I
x'+x°+l +e+X_I1J+Xa+X+1
given that a+b+c=O.
1 1
Solution. (a) First term= 1
1
• x — °+x •
1
= X a [X_ 0 +x_ b + x-°J

Second term= i±_.+_ x_b+x.o+xb0

= x r [x_ + x -I-x'9
1
Similarly the third term_ Ex_a±x_b+xl
By taking sum of the three terms, we get

L.H.S.=(X+b+)[—.+---+3]

I =R.H.S.
X—'+X'+X

(b) Firu te= + ' +i z= Xb+C+X:.+Xe

(multiplying denominator and numerator by x')
XC
b-f.c=—a,)
=+1XC (..

I
Third term= xa +x+1=
X°+X±X
(multiplying denominator and numerator by x)

(... —b--a=c)


INDTCS AND SURDS

157
The given expression
X0
I

x°+x 0 +1 -
1
Example 19. (a) If x=3 - + 3 T , prove that 3x3 — 9x=10
(b) If a 8./X2 -f-b . /x +c=O, then prove that
ax2 + b 3 x -- c3=3abcx.
1 1

Solution. (a) x==3 3 +3

Cubing both sides, we get

X3=( 3+)3( 3 3
)+3.3 .33.x
[.. (ab)3
-- a +b3+3ab(a+b)J
= 3+3'+3. 3° x
(: a°=l,a-AO)
By transposition, we get 3X3-9x=I0.
(b)
(a. .
a3x2 +j 3x±3ab . /(a. '+b . =—c5
&x2+b3x+3abx(_c).c3
a3 x + b 3x + c3 = 3abcx.
Eamp1e 20. (a) if a= b, c'=a, prove that xyz=i.
(b) If a' =b y _—c' and b 2 =ac, prove that
2xz

(c) If( 238I) = ( 2381)' — IO', prove that

I I I

Solution. (a) aMY1__(ax)7tbY:(by)IczaaL

xyz=I
158 BUSINEW MAThFMAT1C

(b) Let each of the given ratio be equal to k, so that

ax = k . a=k'J
b'=k b=k'J'

Substituting these values of a, 1, C in terms of k, x, y and z in b'!=ac,

we have
(kl/Y)'=klP •ji/7
J)+(1/2)
*
2 1 1
—
Y---+—
x z
2 z-4-x
*
2xz
*
(c) (238l= 1O2 * 2381==10
2181 10,'
i.e., 10
* 0.2381=102/x . 10
* 2381== 10i'
Also (2381)=l0 * 2381=10k"
Io(Z/)l0Z/Y
z
---1=-
x y

*
1 1 1
• Z
x Y
Example 21. (a) If 2 = 37=12 , prove that xy=z(x--2y)
r
(b) If 21 = 4, = 8? and xyz288, prove that
1 1 1 11
rx +TY
Solution. (a) The given relation can be written as
4z11__ 3 Y__ 12f.._ k (say)
4=ku I x , 3=k 1 /', 12=k
Also 4x3=12
ki/ x . kh,,=klft
k" 4 ' I,)=k112


INDICES AND SURDS

159
2 1 1
4.

2y+x I
xy z
* xy_—z(x+2y)
(b) We have 2x=47z=8$,
I.e., 21=21Y=231
x=2y.-3z_—k, say
Also xyz=288

*k T •

* k6.288r6X144X2
=6xl2x12X2
6x6x2x6x2x2
2=(2.6)
* k=12
x=12,y=6,z4
1 1 1 1 1 1 11
Hence

-P+I yn+l Zn+1

Example 22. U
where a is a positive Integer, show that
n
±L) (n +J) (+i)_V
[ X a+b+c.

Solution. We are given

yn i.l n+1
_
an =a+b+c

(n+1)

Now Xfl=[(a+b+c)an] n =(a-fb--c n • a

(n+1) I

Similarly, y ' = (a + b + c)' . b



160 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(n+1) 1
and Z" =( a+b+c) ri • c

(n+1) (n+t) (n+I)

V x n ±Y n +Z fl

=(a+b-j-c) ' a+(a+b+c) n b +(a+ b + c) ' C

=(a 4-b+c)[a+b+cI
(1+n)
=(a+b-j-c) F'

Fr
Raising both the sides to power -,
-I-Iwe get
n

[ (!!±J) ±L
n
r (n+ifl(n+I)
La+b+cJ -a+b+c.
EXERCISE (I)
1. State with reasons, whether the following statements are true or
false
(i) a'a :. pq
(ii) a,=bm a=b
(iii) 2=(2), (iv) 33=(33)1
(v) a>b :•
(vi) a>b
2. Simplify
1') 4
(1) (625)k (jj\ ( Y
" ' .243J
/(343)_2
(iii) (21516 (iv)

(v) 1 %/( 32)-

3. Prove that
2+2 3
2n+'-2 n 2
4. (a) Find the value of
1 _7
2X3X4' 34 x5
- _i 3 -;-.
10 x 5s 4 —s x


INDICES AND SURDS 161

(b) Express in fractional indices and then simplify
(I) 'a4x41a2x/T, (If) y5/3x..J7 x/y
5. Simplify

(i) .t/j35__(8/25)._2l3
(3.645) 11 + ( 200)- 1 /3

\/3x5+V3J5x,/3X5
I 1 4
3 32 51 ><)3

V8i4 +I2VWT
3_ 3 (6) 2 x i/98
(iv) - (5) 2l1 (15) x(3)
6. Simplify
m 4-n3m8n 52X+31Øt+1
(i) X5m_Gn , (ii)
I
25 3x + 2 162
7n+2-35 7n-1
(jit) , and (Iv) 9"x3 2x
7 n x It 3—n
3 3 "x9 -
7. Show that
3.2' -f- 2" =2, 2.3fl+1+7.3n_t
(ii) 3r1+!_ 2()'- = 1
(3)(3n) 9n 1
(hi) (3n)n_1 (3n_1)6I_1 9n

(iv) (81)" . 36 -3 4- 1 (243) 4. 3"

33
9 f% . 32(3-"/2)-2—(27)-
8, if
31m22 27 ,show that m==I+n.
9. Show that
(Xb \ a fXC \ ,X\e
W —,, XL-7) x(-.)
Xb
=1
1 1 I
I'c x \ CO / X e ab
(ii)
f xb
ç;-) x-) xL)
XG - =1
x a'+ab+b' / x b \b'±bc+c' / Xe \c'+ca+a'
(iii) ( ---) X(,.)


162 8US1NS MATHEMATICS

1 1 1
1 s — C c—b
(iv) () x () x() =1
Xb
X. b+c—a / X c \C+a—b - t x a+b—c
(v)
x 77
10. Simplify
(-.id-)a*—ab+b'X( X Y—bc+c' / \c'—ca4-a'

11. Simplify
r a b')a+b
I I xb 1 x!—a! I
(a)
b
Lxi L xrajj
X b la+b r xb'+c'lb+c r XCG lc+a
)(b) Ixal+bl J < L_xbc J XL2+SJ
12. Simplify
t a' \'+P
(-T) xL--) 3(a'a)'-'

13. (a) Show that

1 1
=1
(b) If pqr=1, show that
1 1
+1+r+r'
(Hint. L.H.S.=q;q+1 +1 qpq+pp,.
pq
q_+1+
+pr
q+pq+1
1 Da -I
+
=T
q +pq T

14. (1) If 2'=3'(l 2)?, show that 1.1+-2-.

zy x
(H) If 22=3,=6.x ; show;' that -- ----=O
(iii) If 3x57(75)?, show that xy=z(2x+y).
prove that 1 1 1
FC\7
15. If a' = (, k. ) == k",


ND10ES AND SURDS 163

16. If 2'=4=8 and - +- +- , show that

z=x
= y =
17. Ifa bY = cdW and ab==cd, show that
1 . 1 1 1

--
18. If xY=yx, show that =X
and ifx=2y, prove that y=2.
19. If m=a', n=ay and (m l, . n) 2 =a3, show that xyz= I.
20. (i) If a=xy-1, b=xy- 1, c=xy'-1 , show that
a- x br-P x —q
(Ii) If a — xa +fy P, b=-rx r fPya , c=x P +(Fy ? , show that
a'-' x b r -' x C,—
q= I
21. Obtain the simplest value of
when x=01
1 2
22. If x=2 3 +2 3 , show that x3-6x=6
2 _2
23. (i) If x=3 3 +3 , show that 9x3-27x=82
(ii) If x= .J,/2+ 1 —i7i1 show that x3-4-3X=2

(iti) If x=a 3 +a , show that x-3x=a+1

I _1 I _I
24. lfx=3 4 +3 , y=r3 4 -.-3 4 , show that
3(x' + y')'= 64
25. Simplify -
tJ{X2 X /(x_2y3/2)
/(x
ANSWERS
1. (iii) 29 -A2 6 , (iv) 3 9 --A3 e , (vi) a>.b .
1 16 10'4 8
2. (1) -, (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
81 243
4. (0) 10, (b) (1) a3, (ii) I
 164
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

. (I) --, (ii) , () 3204, (iv) 28\/2

6. (1) x—rn , (II) 8, (iii) 4, (iv)
10.
11. (a) 1, (b) __ 12. 21. Ol

25. x75 ,
65. SURDS

In the discussion on the theory of real number system we have seen

t hat the numbers like v'2, /3, 15
etc. do not belong to the set of
rational numbers and are known as irrational numbers. An irrational
number we recall is one which cannot be expressed as the ratio of two
integers in the form p/q, where p and q are the integers. For example
314 are rational as they are equal to -_
and respectively.
4 100
However /2 is not a rational number as it is equal to 14142 to the
nearest ten
-thousand. Similarly -=31416, , and 2+V7 are
irrational numbers.

In this chapter we shall discuss the particular types of irrational

numbers called surds. In other words, we shall confine to a subset of the
set of irrational numbers.
Definition I.
nwnber, of A Surd is defined as the irrational root of a rational
the type / a, where it is not possible to extract exactly the n,
root of ,a,,.
only if In other words, a real number is called a surd, if and
(I) it is an irrational number, and
(ii) it is a coot of a rational number.
In the surd a • the index n
the radicand. is called the order of the surd and
Illustration.
rational number 3. /3 is a surd, since /3 is the irrational root of the
$.
2. ,v'2j 8 , (32) 1 / 4 are surds.
3. (;) ,/T is not a surd. its root 2 is rational.
(iii) 1/{/ñT are not surds, their roots are rational.

4. v' j 72 although an irrational number is not a surd because

it is the square root of an irrational number.


INDICES AND SURDS 165

5. Similarly Vf n 13-i-5 VV 5— /7 are not surds as the

radicand of each of these is not a rational number.
Order of a surd. The order of the surd is the number which
indicates the root, e.g., '/48 , ,/2l and ,/ a are second, third,
fourth and n' order respectively. However, surds of different order can
be converted into same order as follows
/ 3, ,/2, ,/ 7 _31/2, 21 1 3, 711 1 . 36 /12 , 24 / 13 , 73/12
=13 / , 1/2, '/73

Surds of second, third and fourth order are called quadratic, cubic
and quartio surds, respcctivcly.
7 has
A surd may be with or without a coefficient, for example, . V -
a coefficient while / - 4- has no coefficient. The former is called the
mixed surd, the coefficient there could he positive or negative. In the
latter case, where there is no coefficient, it is presumed to have : I as
the coefficient and it is called an entire surd, e.g.,
(1) —5 ,/4 is a mixed surd,
(II) v'2 is an entire surd.
But a mixed surd can also be written as an entire surd, e.g., J48
as — ,/3.6 or 2 and as '/'
93 or 3V3.
The surds of the type L/i where 'a' is not a prime integer can
be split into prime integers. For example
(1) /l6=2. /2 and (ii)
66. OPERATIONS ON SURDS
Surds can always be expressed with fractional indices. Therefore,
the rules of indices given earlier will apply to them also. These are
stated here in the radical form.
or a" . b11=.(ab)'I"
V'" r (a\1I"
(ii) or
VT b T)
=// or (&I")'I"=a"'
(iv) /'/ or
(v) ('=yä or
In the above rules m and n are positive integers and a and b are
rational numbers.
Illustrations. 1. x 2,/ 43U3
5114
( 5 )1/4 (5
2. 31/4
 166
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
3 (1)
(ii)
4. (1)
(ii) /2=2=='/
It may be noted that the order of the surd can be changed by
plying the surd index and the index of the radicand by the multi-
same integer.
Remark. Two surds are similar if they can be reduced to the
same irrational factors. For example V4T and 1/147 are similar surds
because they can be put as 4 V 3 and 7/3.
Rules for Operations on Surds
I. Surds of the same order can be multiplied as follows:
/x /b =a l j n x b'l"=(ab)'In
With rational coefficients also, they can be multiplied as follows
p . x q . /_—pq
Example 23, Multiply 6 . by 3.
Solution. 6 /Tx 3 . ^/-2 634 y 218
/8-=l8.2=36
2. Surds of the same order can be divided as follows:
a 1)'
r a'I' ± b1 /n . a

With rational coellicieiits they can be divided as follows:

P. '/a -
b pal1flqbi'4 p a\'l p
q
3. Surds which are not of the same order can be reduced to the
lowest possible Common order by multiplying both the index and the
radicand by the same number as per rule shown below
=
Example 24. Multiply 5 ./6 by
3V2
Solution. It will be necessary to first reduce the two quantities to a
common order.
Now

5.362X33/

5x3/.i r l5./
Reniark. If the surds are of the same order, multiply the rational
and irrational factors separately. But, if they are of different order then
first reduce them to the same order and then proceed.


167
INDICES AND SURDS

Exaxnple25. Multiply (v 5 -v 3 +JT) by T+i1

Solution. Required product is
=V3( V5_V3+V+)+V2(V5_V3+ SR-)
= V1T-3+ +VT—V6+1

/ 15-3+ ViO— \16-j-1

V15+ 0—V6-2.
Example 26. Divide 4. /iW by 5. VT
Solution. 4. J10±5 .
3X/f2.
=4. JT
4
= T V-3
Simplification for Addition and Subtraction of Surds can
be effected by taking the common factor out in the manner indicated
below:
p.',/a+q. ¶,/a=(p+q) Va
p.V7 _q../a==(p—q).a
Example 27. Simplify. 21iãb-7/2O+1O445
Solution. We can have
(2V36 x V5)—(7V5 x V4)+(10V9 X,15)
=2. ("/5-7 .2. V5+10. 3v'S
=12V5 —14. V5±30V5
=(12-14+30)V5
=28v'5
Example 28. Simplify 3VI V" +7 /4.
Solution. We have 3V49— .

=3x7. .

=( 2l —.-+-)V3
203 V3


168
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
s;mpliacat;on for Ar rangement.
For arranging surds in an
order it is always advisable to convert them into surds of lowest possible
common index.
Example 29. Arrange /T, /7 in an ascending order.
Solution. First we have to make the index for all the quantities
equal to 12 and then compare. These would be
' and i7
or /J25 and '/iT
In ascending order the surds will he placed as
I / '/ / 343, i.e.,

The division of two surd expressions can be effected by rationalising as

discussed below
6'7. RATIONALISING FACTOR (R.F.)
When the product of two surds is rational then each one of them is
called the rationalising factor of the other. The following arc illustrations
of rationalising factors
(a) R.F. of Monomial Surds. The ra
surds are obtained by inspection as follows tionalising factors of monomial
(i) O \/xX \/ x=ax
(ii) 3 . x /2 =3(2)"(2)' 14=3 246
(iii) (a3/2 . b- 113 . c2 /6) x (a' /2 . b2/3 .
C") a2b - I c
(b) R.F. of Binomial Quadratic Surds
(i) (V9—V7)(V9+V7)(9)2(17)2972
(ii) (/
(iii) (a.JT +bvy)(aV_bV)azxb2y
(C) R.F. of Trinomial Quadratic
Surds. The surd expressions
(i) (±±v), (ii) (al x ±bVy +c Vz)
are called trinomial quadratic surds. The following method is applied for
finding a R.F. of (?i) above.
(a b c )(a x + b /7 C\ / Z) (av bfy)2(cz)2
+
:ra2x + b2y+ 2 ab V_ c2z
=(a2 x+ by - c2 z) + 2abV
Ap a in
[(a2x + b'y_ ctz) + 2ab vj} [(a2x
+ b 2y - c2 z) 2ab/xyJ
which is rational
R emarks. The quantities a–. V'
b and a +v' b are called the con-
jugate binomial surds. The additional feature of them is that the sum and
Product of these factors is also a rational
q uantity, e.g.,


INDICES AND SURDS 169

and (a+1/b-f(a- 7')=2a

(a— \/'b) )< (a.f\/b)ra2_b
Many times RF.'s can he obtained by using algebraic identities
such as
(1) x8+y3=(x+y)(x2—xy+y2)
(ii) x3—y3=(x--y)(x3+ xy+y 2 ), (iii) x 6 —y6=(x3—y3)(x3+yB)
(iv) x4 + 2y2y4 (x2 - xy -1- y2)(x2 —xy +y2)
(v) x3+y3--z8-- 3xyz=(x-f y 4-z)(x2-I-y2-j-z2—xy—yz_zx)
7V3-5V2
Example 30. Rationalise ---- -

7\/35\/2 \"8—VtT
Solution -_= x
v'48--'/18 v'8--v'T
(7\/3- 5\/2)(4,/3--3V2)
48-18
7/3(4V3--3v'2)-5V2(4/3 -3v'2)
- 30
84-2I/6--20/6+30
- 30
114-41 V6
30
I
Example 31. Rationalise -
y'2 ± v' 3 ± -i/To

Solution..------------
Solution. - /2±
/2/3±ijx v2lV37o
/2-I-.1/3--V10 .,/2+V3—V1
V2+V3)2(y2+3+2V6_-10
/2+/3--Viö
(Rationalise further)
—5+26
/ 2+V3 —v'i 0 —5-2V6
—5+2V6 52v6

25-24
=(/2+ V3—v) (-5-2/6)
= 4V15+5i/10-913-- lls/2.


170 BU3LNSS MATHB?4Ar1CS

Example 32. Divide V98—'/5O by i/T2.

Solution. The required quotient is
98—/5O /49x2—V25X2
- V 1-2
7V 2 - 5 v' 2 2V2 ,/2 /3
2.j3 2,./3V3<V3

Properties of El-quadratic Surds:

1. If a +/ E=x+Vor a-4,/=x_/y
then a=x and b—_y
where a and x are rational Vb and Vj' are surds.
2. If V =b+ .Jc then brO and a=c
where b is rational and Vaand /c are surds.
3. If
then
where a, b, x, y are all positive rational numbers and V1 b is the only surd.
Proof. Squaring both sides of (), we get

a=x + y and V C _
— aJx (From first property)
. a—Vb=(x+y)_2Vxyf_v;)2

Example 33. If x=/3+ calculate the value of

V126V 1
X)k Xxj3
3
correct to two places of decimal.

Solution. x_6x_Y/3'x..V3
V42 V42

- V3+ 1 —V3=)

1 2 1
3
X _ _ ,/ 3 1-;73 3 _ V3
V3

NDIC3 AND SURDS 171

Given express1On=i7-3Lr V3+ -1 -V3

---

=1--4=o.83
Example 34. (a) Simplify
30 -,/ T8-
2_/24V3--.i/Th3+21'3
(b) Simp1fy:
3,12 413 213
-/6—/3 16—v2 V6+2
(CA. Intermediate, November 1981)
30
Solution. (a) Given express" on=2 4/3
12 4\/3 —/9
'9 x V2
3 + 2V3
4V3 30 3/2
2—/2 4V3-3V23+2/3
Rationalising each term, we get
4V 3 4V3 2+V2 8V3+4V6
4--2
- 2(4v134-2V6)
-- 2 =(4V3 + 2/6)
30 30 4V3--312
4V3-3V24V3--3V2 X4/3+3j/2
- 120i/3+90V2 4t3 + 3/2
-- 48—
lad 3V2 3V2 3-2V3 9V2-6V6
3+233+2V3'<3-2V3 9-12
3(3V22V6)3v1+2v6

.4V3 30
2--,/-2 4,/'3—,\/i-8 3+2V3
=4V3 +2v6-413-3V2+3i/2-2s/6=O.
(b) We have
4v'3 2V3


172 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

3V2 V6+V3 4V3 V6-4-/2 2V3 V6-2

1 6V3 < V6+ 13 76—t2 X7-x
3V2(V6+V3) 4v'3(V64/2) 2./3(V6-2)
- 6-3 6-2 + 6-4
= V2(V6 +V3) —V3(/6 +V2)+ V3(V6— 2)
= Vl2V6—\/I8—V6 J-v'18-2v3
rØ

Example 35. if x= 2V241— find the value of

1'2 N

x4V8 x4-/12

Solution. Given x= 2i/I

-----7,
5 +-2-6
Now
X i V8 X + V1-2 ' x-J-V8)/x+./f
—V —1
X

x—V8
2x 4/3
X_2V2+x_2\/3
2x2 - W6
x2-2x(V2±V3)--4v16
192 6
96 4/24
5l2V6v2+v3(V2+V3)+4Vf6
- {192-8V6(5+2/6))
96— 4V'24 (5 + 2V6)+4V6(5 +2V6)
192-40V6-96
- 96-20i/24._8\/I44f20V6-148
2(96-20v'6-48) 2
= 96-2076-48 -
-
Example 36. If 2Y54+5/294+ \16 — 1 _ IT
30 50 VT
a16, find a.

INDICES AND SURDS 173
Solution.
19 23
L.H.S.=2V+5i/49x6+- \/6_,\/27X2
50x2 V3x3
3 V6---i/6.
__
0
=6V6+35/6+ -,/6--
30 10
= 41 y'64- [19V6_9V6IO/61
=41V6 4-O=41V6
41V6=aV6
Hence a=4[

Example 37. (a) If

5 V 3 + 4/2 — \/7T- V'TO±v8+2
=a+b/3, find a and b,

(b) If
4+ 78-

find a and b.

Solution, (a) 1 f/16 x3 -

FLS.= 5 3+ \/4x2+2
1+4,/3 ________
- 5V3+4V2-6V2-7+2V2+2
1-F4V3 1+4/3 2+V3
= 2_ Vr3 = 213 X27-
-I- 4V3V3
- 4-3
= 2+9V3+4 x 3= 14+9V3
14+9V3=a+bV3
Hence a=14 b=9
(b) 4+3V2
L.H.S.= 44382 10V2-8x2V3+5x2V2
4+3V2 12V2
12i/2
48V2+72
= 288


174 BUSINESS MAThEMATICS

72 48
r +-r V2'=a+bV2

Hence a=.-, b= .---

Example 38. Find the values of a, b, c and d If

1 -

Solution.
1-fV5--i/3
1+V53 x
1±V5+V3
I +V5—V3
1±V5)2_(7i
1+V5—V3 3-2i/5
3+f,—
/- :-
5'3- 2N/5
(1 l\,rs_v3)(3_2v5)
=
_3+3v'5-3V3-2v'5— 10+2/f
9- 20

—7+V5-3V3+2/iT
—II
7 1
111T V5+- V3icV1

a= 171-, bc=—
jandd=—
-

Example 39. If prove that

2 '
(x+)_ 5 (xt+4 )+( x±

Solution. X=-2

2
1
X5V21
2
= x 5+v'r
+ (Rationalising)

2(5+\/21)_5\/21
T5
-21-
- 2


ND10E5 AND SURDS 175
I
x+—= 5V2I+5+VT5
x 2
Squaring both sides, we get
(x+i_)' = 25 *
X

x2
=23 ...(2)
Cubing both sides of (1), we get
1 \*
(x+—
X
125
x 8±-! _+ 3. x.

* x+-=125-3,5=110
Hence (x5+_!)_s(x2+4)+(x*L)
=110-5. 23+5=0
Example 40. If x_ 9+4i/5, find the value of
(1) x'----., (ii)

X=9 +4,/5
Solution.
1 1 9-4V5
79+4/5 (9+4V5)(9-4V5)9'5
x+=(9+4/5)+(9_15)l8 .(1)
and x (9+4V5)—(9--4./5)=8V5 (2)
(1) Multiplying (1) and (2) together, we get

(+-L)( x—i)=18x8V5

=144V5=3219984
(Ii) Cubing both sides of (2), we get

(x---)'==(8Vs
176 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

X3 —3 (x_ -_)=256o\r5

*
- x3

X3 =2584V5=57780824
Example 41. if x3+18,find the value of
I
74-
Solution. X==3+V8
1 1 1 3—I8
x3+V8_3+V8X

Squaring both sides, we get

x2+-+2=36

x+--.=34
Squaring again, we get
X2+-L)"=(34)`

x+-=1156-2=1154

V5-2 prove that x1+x-' in an integer.

Example 42. if x-_-,15+2,
(CA. Intermediate November 1982)
Solution.We have
V5-2 V5-2 V5-2 9-41/5.

I V5+2 N/5+2 /5+2

Tv t 5_2_V52 )< V5+2 5-4

X
Squaring both sides, we get
I I
x2+2.x.--1---..--=324
x x•


INDICES AND SURDS 177
X2+
or 1 — 324-2=322

Squaring again both sides, we get

x4-2

or

x fx 4 (322) 2__ 2 r=an integer.

Example 43. If x=3+2V2, find the vcIue of

M (II) Vx L.
Solution. x3-+-2V2
• 1 1 1 3-2V2
X
3-2V2
3-2V2
= 9__3_2\/2

x+2-=3f2V2+3_2/'2=6

Adding two on both sides, we get

x' +2=6±28

+ ", ) ,

Subtracting two from both sides of (1), we get

(\/I)2

Example 44. Ifx==/t/+!_, shw that x 2 (x - 14)1 =1

Solution. /+434Vi
(7v'
7-4v'3 V (7--4\/3)(7-j-4/3)
178 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

V;1+4v3)
and x-14=7+413--14=4/3-7
x'(x-14)'==(4V3+7)(4\/3 —7)
- {(4V3 + 7)(4V3 —7))'
='{16(3)-49}'= 1

Example 45. If x==3+2./2 and find the value of

5x5 + 1Oxy+5y.

Solution. Here x=3+22

1 1 3--2'/2
Y—- y.

3-2/2
= 9-8 =3-2V2
y'=(3-2\/2)'=17--121/2

Also xY(3+2V2)x_+2 =1
51 1Qxy+5y=5(17+ 12V2)+ 10. (1)+5(17— 12V2)

=- 8 5 + 60i/2± 10+85-60V2== 180.

Example 46. (a) If x=3—V5, find the value of
x4__ x 3 _20x2_ 16x 39

(b) If fi nd the value of

2x4 -21x-f 12x2 —x4 10
Solution. (a) x=3—V5, i.e., x-3--/5
Squaring both sides, we get
x+9-6x=5
x2-6x-j-4=0
Now divide .\4x'-_-20x2---16x-f 39 by x2 — 6x+4


IND1CS AND SURDS 179
x21-5x4-6
x2--6X+4 \ X4—x3-20x'-16x+39
- x-6x3-f-4x2

5x3 -24x--16 X
5x3 -3Ox 2 + 20X
- -
6x2-36x+39
6x-36x-1-24
—+-
15

Thus we can write

x 1— x'-20x3 — 16x+39 = (x2 -6x +4)(x 2.f-5x+ 6)+ 15
(0)(x' + 5x -1-6) + 15= 15
V3+V2
(b) V34-V2 V3-+-V2 3+2+2V6
X=732-_
3-2
=5+2V6
x-5=2'6
x24-25-1Ox=24
x1—lOx+l=O
2x4-21x3+12x2—x-t-10
=2x1-2Ox34-2x1_x3+1Ox_x+10
=2x2(x2 -10x4• 1)—x(x2--IOx+1)+IO
=2x2(0)--x(0)H-1O=1O.
Example 47. Jf x -(4 -1- \/I5)'I+(4+4JI5)—"
prove that x3-3X-8=O.

Solution. Let (4-I- V I 5)'13 =a a3 =4+ /T

Then (4-t-V a
1 I 1 4—v'15
-
= -V Th/f--

Xra+

Cubing both sides, we get

X3=a3f-a33a _-(a-F__)=a3+cV3.I-3x

=(4-I-V11-(4—\/1)+3x=8 +-3x
x8-3x---8=0.
 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
180
68. ROOT OF A MIXED SURD
There are two methods of finding the square root of a mixed surd.
First Method. This method is known as method of inspection. In
this case we try to express the given surd a-j b in the form (s/x + -Vy )*
then ±(V X± v'Y ) is the required root.
Illustration, Consider the square
(3 -/5)29+5+6v'5=14+6V5
Now the square root of 14+6V5 is±-(3+/5)
Also t4+6V5=14+2/since
Here 14=9+5 and 45=9x5
Hence find two numbers whose sum is 14 and product is 45. These
are 9 and 5.
14+2 ,\/ 4 9+5+2v'9.V5 -= (V9 + \/5)2=(3 +V5)2
To find the square root ofx±2Vyfind two numbers a and b, whose
SW?: is x and the product is, y, then the square root

The first step s then, is to put the given surd in the form x+2\/ Y.
For example 9+4v'5=9+2Y20, the two numbers whose sum is 9 and the
product is 20 are 4 and 5.
In case 2 is not there, multiply and divide the surd by 2. For
example
8+3V7=8-f-/63=[l6+2'./63l

Now square root of --. is and to find the square root of

16+2V' find two numbers whose sum is 16 and product is 63 which

are 9 and 7.
Thus \/l6+2/3 =+(V9+7)-+(3+V7)
Second Method. This is a general method. Here we suppose that
square root= +(\/x ±\/).
Now square both sides, equating rational and irrational parts and
then find x and y.
Example 4. Find the square root of 3 + V.

Solution. Let 13+V5s174Y

Squaring both sides, we get
3-f 5=x+y+2/xv


INDICES AND SURDS 'SI
Equating rational and irrational parts, we have
x}-y=3
2\/Y-= \/5 ...(3)
Squaring both sides, we get
4xy = 5

Also (x—y)2=(x±y)2-4xy=(3)-4 x

x—y=2 (4)
Adding (2) and (4), we get

2x-=5

5 1
y=3--x3—

Hence \/ 3 + y5 V5I2+ V
The second square root being —V5/2—v'l/2
Example 49. Evaluate
Solution. Let V28-5V_fy
Squaring both sides, we get
28 -5'./12=x+y-2/
x ry=28
and V xy
4xy=25X12=300
Also (x —Y) 2 = ( x +y) 2 — 4xy
=(28)2 _300==784_300=(22)2
x—y-=-22
Adding (2) and (4), we get
2x-=284-22=50 x=25
Also y=28-25=3
Hence \/28-5V12V'25-V35-13.
Example 5o. Given /5=223607, find the value of
10,12
\ '8_ /( 3 + V5) V8+1(3—V5)

182 BUS!NES MATHMA71cC

Solution. We have

J3+v5—'15 and V3_V5_V51

- V2 -
1O/2 V10+3V2
Expression=

10x2 _
- 4--%(5-1 4+V5—i
10x2 2(3+.V5)
- (3+V5)
20 (3+4/5)_8
= 4 13+5V5 24'180 35
Example 51. Prove that
_____ =1
/8+3V7-2V2

Solution. L.F1.S.=
-- (16+2 V9x7)-2V2

AVIT
F
V --(V9+V7)'--2V2
(V7-1)
- V2 V7-1
3 V7
-- -1- V2 —2
V2
vi—'
---I=R.H.S.
- V7-1
Example 52. If Xr4(6+2 \ 15)- 1 1 1 , find the value of x 2 — 7x-f-i.
Solution. We have

X=- =- 4
V672v5 \/(v5+l)1 V5+1
- 4 -v'5--1
'.\15 - 1 =\/5-1


INDICES AND SURDS 183

x+ 1=A/5
3 x2±2x+1=5
x2+2X-9X---4+9=-9X+9
x-7x+5=-9 (V5-1)+9==18--9/5.
Example 53. Simplify and show that

AJ'4-+v' 73r5
165
Ls a rational number.

Solution. Let \/7— 3-75= 4J x-

7-3/5=x+y-2/xy
Equating rational and irrational parts, we have
-7 and 2V'Th=3/5, i.e., 4xy=45
X +y_
Now (x—y)3=(x+y)2-4xy=7'-454
x—y=2
Solving x-4-y=7) 9 5
we get and
x—y-=2
- __3 /_
V7-3VT/'---V Y JT —, T /2
___•
Similarly / ' 6-5v7=ii (T_ fT
TJ T/2 T 4j

' T 3 IT
______
The given expression=-
+-!._ T
- 3/J2 3
rational number.
51V2 5
Example 54. Evaluate

Solution.
Let V16+42/15_4v6±(VT+\/7\/7)
1 84
BUSINESS MATHEMATIc
Squaring both sides, we get
16+4-,/f —2 s/iT
Equating rational and irrational parts on both sides, we get

X+y+z-16
xy=40
* xz=5
yz=4
Multiplying (2), (3) and (4), we get
X2y2z2_-= 40 y 15x24
Xyz± 120
... Either.xyz=+120 or xyZr=_120
Dividing this by (2), (3) and Dividing this by (2), (3) and (4)
(4) turn by turn, we get turn by turn, we get
x ==5, y=8, jr 3 x----5, Y-8, z=-- 3
Equation (1) is satisfied only by positive values of x, y, z•
Xr=5, y =8, zr=3.
Hence

V 16+4Vi5 —2/f --4=J:(v5+.'8—V3)

+(V5+2V2— V3).
Example 55. Find the square roof of

5-
(C.A. Intermediate May 1981)
Solution. Let T-/j +/6 r=d(J _/y +\/z)
Squaring both sides, we get
5—i/f
Equating rational and irrational parts on both sides, we get
x+y+z=5
4xy=lO
2/j/j * 4yz=5
* 4xz=6

INDICES AND SURDS 185

Multiplying (2), (3) and (4), we get

64 x2 y 2 z 2 = lOX 15 x 6
4xyZ=.-L15
Either4XYz= --l5 or 4xyz==-15
Dividing this by (2), (3) and Dividing this by (2), (3) and
(4) turn by turns we get (4) turn by turn, we get
x=1, Z=3 x= —1, z= -
Equation (1) is satisfied only by positive values of x, y, z.
x=1, y=, z=.
Hence V5—/10-.i/i5+v'6—_±(\f1—\/+Yfl

=±(i--i/F +/I.
Example 56. Find the fourth root of 137-36s/14.

Solution. We have

1 37- 36 V 14=137 - 2 v' 324x 14

=137-- 2--N/4536
=81-1-56-2-\/81X56-=(9--v/56)'

\'131-364/[4(9 /56)

Now 9--\/56=9-2V14

Hence t1i37--36Y14 /9_7=\/7—\/2.

Example 57. Prove that

V2+V5_ Y 63V5 ± / 14— 6i5=2

Solution. L.H.S. V' 2+./5— \/6-3\/'5 —4(9-4• 5-24[)

= \/V5_V/63vr5f(3_\/5)
- \/I5J7T25

\/2+%/5—Y5+4-2\/5X4
=V2+V5-(\/52)V42R.H,S.


186 BUSINESS MATWHATICS

EXERCISE (II)
1. State which of the following are surds.

(i) /81, (ii) (111) 4./j (iv) / I+'3, (v)

2. (a) Find the rationalising factors

(1) (II)
(Ili) (3v'iT + S v'6), and (Iv) (,15—i/2+v'7)
(b) Simplify
(1) V-/i
(Ii) 2Vl8+1/2O_VT+jV+/
224
((U) / 1l2—/63 -l-

3, Simplify
3+V6
(a)
5V3-2Vi2 VT
+vt
(b) 5

4. Simplify

(a) 2+\.'13 2—V3 V3-1

• 7±3i/5 7-3v'5
(1)
3+V5 + 3—V5

b
6 4V6 4\/15

7/3 2V5 3V2

(c)
+V3'6+7i3

5. Express in the form (a V5 —b), where a and b are

simple fractions.
6 Find the value of a and b if both are rational numbers and
5+2V3_
b
7+4V3 a V 3


INDICES AND SURDS 187

7. If 5'/3 4/7, 3+V6 . a+x/3, find a and x.

8. 1f(V2+1) =a+xV2,
find a and x.

9. Express 1+V2 1—,/2 inthe form ai/5+bV6.

10 Show that
(a) 1 1 1

7+3V5
(b) 72TV7+3V5 7-3/5
+V2+V7_3V5
2V2
11. Show that
3 1 2 3
1_V2+V3+1_V2_V31fV2—V3 +/1
12. Prove that
5 3 =2
/16— V4+1
13. If x=7+4i/3, y7_4i/3, find the value of
1 1

14. 11 V3 +/2
and V2 find the value of

(1) x+y, (ii) x -l- y2 , ( ill)

15. If x=7—\/48, find the value of
(x+-)—I5 (x+-. -)+2o (x+__)__72
16. if x=4-f--/15, find the value of
(X3—
X)

17. (a) X=7_4-i/3, find the value of (v - )



188 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(b) If x=5+2V6, find the value of (v+)

18. Find the value of

(I) x--lOx+1, if

(ii) x8 -6x2 -f7x+8, if xr3_2V2

(iii) X4_ 4x3 -2x2 -4x+31, if x==3+/2

(iv) 2x4 -9x3 -- 14x2 -l-7X-3, if

x=2+4/2
(v) 5X2 -2x-f I
(vi) lOx—x2, ifx(5+2V6)'

19. Find the value of

x+I x-1
if xrV3+/2

20. Ifand 2-+I3 show that

7x2 + 1 Ixy-1y1 =i I +56V3.

21. If =2'/2, show that X2 —2x+3=10

22. 1f= and = find the value of x3+y.

3.
V3 +-V2

[Hint. V3—V2 V3—V2

Similarly V3+V2 ____

x3}y3=(xf.y)3_3xy(x+y)=(1O)3-3. I . 10=970.1

23. If V31 + 4 /T ,/ + V Ii, find x and Y.

24. Find the square root of

(i) 19-8V3, (Ii)


INDICES AND SURDS 189
(ill) 18+6'/5
(iv) 6(5+ 2-V6)
(v) x4V'x_y2.
25. Show that
(a)
(b) (28 10V3) 1 ' 2 ---(7+ 4i/3)-' 12_3
26. Find the value of

V-v3 f V4+V5 -\/17-4

27. Prove that

(a)3 _____
V" l1-2/3O O v8+4V3
7 — 2 i—
(b)3
- v7 X V75rW
28. Show that

29. Find x and y if ('/' :-- + V y)'4 + \/j5

Deduce that

5=A

Hence find k, If
(4-4- 1l5)31+(4_\/l5)3I2==k/lO
2—/3
30 If[2+V3 a+bV3,
+VV3 V2
2 2V3]
find the value of a and b.
31. Find the cube root of9V3+llJ2

[Hint. /913+I1y2 =(/3) ± AJ2-

4) 3f

Let )3+i=x+v y( 1)
li/T -
so that 3—
i —Vy

190 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

Multiply (1) and (2), find Y in terms of x, cube both sides of (1),
find x.1
32. Find the fourth root of
(1) 5 6-24V5, (if) 193+132y2.
ANSWERS
1. (I), (lv) are surds
2. (a) (I) j9+.j3+ l ,( ii) (iii) ,/11-5/6
(lv) (\/7--V5-\/2)(l0-2v'5) (b) (i) 0

(Ii) 6 \/5-7 \/3+-/2, (Iii) 17/7. 3. (a) ,/3 (b) 13/24-9v3

4. (a) (1) 16— ,V3=14"268 (ii) 3, (b) 0, (C) 1.
5. j?j-/5--- b=6 7. a=0,x-=l 8. a=., :=$.
6. a=11,
9. /5— ,/6 13. 194. 14. (f) 10, (ii) 98, (iii) 98, 15. 0
16. 126\/15 17. (a) 4, (h) 2 \/3 18. (i) 0, (ii) 26-12V2.
3-2/2
(iii) 10, (N)v'7, (v) (vi) I, 19. y'o 22. 970 23. x=28, y=3

24. (1) 4— ,/3 (ii)(iii) \/i +/3 (iv) 3-,/2+

3-,/2+2-,/3
2+2'3
(v) j [\/x -- y t /x—y] 26 1 29. 7 30. a=2, b-0
31. V3[ I -I- ,/fl 32. (i) \/5 1, (ii) (3 1- /2).