Question:

Evaluate the two sums and determine which statement is true. Enter the correct number associated with your response.

Column A:

0.5+ 3/4




Column B:

Square root 3 +2/3

Answer Statements:

Statement #1: Only Column A has a rational sum.

Statement #2: Only Column B has a rational sum.

Statement #3: Columns A and Column B both have rational sums.

1 answer

Let's evaluate both sums in Columns A and B.

Column A: \[ 0.5 + \frac{3}{4} \] Convert \(0.5\) to a fraction: \[ 0.5 = \frac{1}{2} \] Now add: \[ \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} \] To add these fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common multiple of \(2\) and \(4\) is \(4\). Convert \(\frac{1}{2}\) to have a denominator of \(4\): \[ \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} \] Now we can add: \[ \frac{2}{4} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{5}{4} \] Thus, the sum in Column A is: \[ \frac{5}{4} \quad \text{(which is rational)} \]

Column B: \[ \sqrt{3} + \frac{2}{3} \] Here \(\sqrt{3}\) is an irrational number, and \(\frac{2}{3}\) is a rational number. The sum of a rational number and an irrational number is always irrational. Thus: \[ \sqrt{3} + \frac{2}{3} \quad \text{(which is irrational)} \]

Conclusion:

  • Column A has a rational sum: \(\frac{5}{4}\)
  • Column B has an irrational sum: \(\sqrt{3} + \frac{2}{3}\)

Now, looking at the statements:

  • Statement #1: Only Column A has a rational sum. (True)
  • Statement #2: Only Column B has a rational sum. (False)
  • Statement #3: Columns A and Column B both have rational sums. (False)

The correct answer is: 1 (for Statement #1)