If \(\frac {3 - \sqrt 3}{2 + \sqrt 3} = a + b\sqrt 3\), what
MATHEMATICS
JAMB 2023
If \(\frac {3 - \sqrt 3}{2 + \sqrt 3} = a + b\sqrt 3\), what are the values a and b?
- A. a = 9, b = -5
- B. a = 5, b = 9
- C. a = 9, b = 5
- D. a = -5, b = 9
Correct Answer: A. a = 9, b = -5
Explanation
\(\frac {3 - \sqrt 3}{2 + \sqrt 3} = a + b\sqrt 3\)
Rationalize
= \(\frac {3 - \sqrt 3}{2 + \sqrt 3} \times \frac {2 - \sqrt 3}{2 - \sqrt 3}\)
= \(\frac {(3 - \sqrt 3)}{(2 + \sqrt 3)} \frac {(2 - \sqrt 3)}{(2 - \sqrt 3)}\)
= \(\frac {6 - 3 \sqrt 3 - 2 \sqrt 3 + (\sqrt 3)^2}{4 - 2 \sqrt 3 + 2 \sqrt 3 - (\sqrt 3)^2}\)
= \(\frac {6 - 5 \sqrt 3 + 3}{4 - 3}\)
= \(\frac {9 - 5 \sqrt 3}{1} = 9 - 5 \sqrt 3\)
= 9 + (-5) \(\sqrt 3\)
\(\therefore a = 9, b = - 5\)
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