Maths Surds

1. Simplifying
A. Entire surd to simplified surd Split the number into the product of a squared numbers and non-squared numbers. Square root the squared numbers, leaving the non-squared numbers in the surd. Examples. o Simplify: B. Simplified surd to entire surd Square the number in front of the surd and multiply it to the number inside the surd. Note: you cannot bring a negative sign into the surd. It must stay outside. Examples. o Put into entire surd form: , , , C. Collecting like terms Make sure the surds are simplified first. Treat each surd like an algebraic expression. Examples. o Simplify: , D. Fractions
Examples. o Simplify:

Notes

E. Multiplication and division You can only divide or multiply numbers with numbers, surds with surds. You cannot simplify numbers with surds. Examples. o Simplify:

2. Rationalising
A. Simple

Multiply numerator and denominator by . Examples. o Rationalise:

B. Complex

Multiply top and bottom by a term which when multiplied to the denominator, will form a difference of two squares. This is known as the conjugate. Do this by leaving the first and second terms the same, but changing the sign in the middle. Examples. o Rationalise:

Maths Surds
3. Identifying surds

Notes

Examples. o Find and : , , ( ) , ,

4. Relationships

Examples. o Given that o Given that

, find: , find:

, ,

, ,