Find the sum of 3, square root of, 3, end square root3

3

and 2, square root of, 3, end square root2
3

in simplest form. Also, determine whether the result is rational or irrational and explain your answer.

1 answer

To find the sum of \( 3\sqrt{3} \) and \( 2\sqrt{3} \), we can start by adding the two terms.

Both terms have a common factor of \( \sqrt{3} \):

\[ 3\sqrt{3} + 2\sqrt{3} = (3 + 2)\sqrt{3} = 5\sqrt{3} \]

Next, we simplify the result, which is \( 5\sqrt{3} \).

Now, let's determine whether \( 5\sqrt{3} \) is rational or irrational.

  • A rational number can be expressed as the quotient of two integers, \( \frac{a}{b} \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are integers, and \( b \neq 0 \).
  • An irrational number cannot be expressed in this way.

The square root of 3, \( \sqrt{3} \), is known to be an irrational number. Multiplying an irrational number by a non-zero rational number (like 5) yields another irrational number. Therefore, \( 5\sqrt{3} \) is irrational.

In summary, the sum \( 5\sqrt{3} \) is in its simplest form, and it is an irrational number.