17 4

1
(b) Show that = 17 + 4 , and that this last result gives a more accurate value
17 4
for the approximation
2D q15 Cambridge book 1 than that found in part (a).
a d
15. It is given that + is rational, where a, b, c and d are positive integers and c
b+ c c
is not a square. Show that as a consequence db2 = c(a + d). Use this result to show that
a d
+ is not rational.
1+ c c

NB
x2 a+surd
2 i.e. an irrational number.
16. (a)AsLetc is
x= not a2 square then x =
, show that c is .
2x
p p
(b) Let a 2 bed approximated
a b by the
c slightly
d clarger fraction , that is = 2 + , where
+ = + q q
b+ c c b+ c b c cp2 + 2q c2 2+ 1
is small and positive. Show that = + and hence show that
2pq 2 2+
p2 + 2q 2
( )

> 2.a b c d c
2pq = +
2
p + 2q b c
22
c p2 + 2q 2
(c) Show that 2 is smaller than , that is, is a better approximation
2pq 2pq

approximation. =
ac b (
for 2 . Note: These results come
c + d )
c b 2

from Newtons method for solving x2 = 2 by
c( )
c (b c )
2

2 E Equality of Surdic Expressions

ac
abc to
There is only one=way c +an cexpression
write ( )
b 2 d cd like 3 + 7 as the sum of a rational
number and a surd. Although c bthis
2
( )
cmay seem obvious, the result is surprising in
that it generates two equations in rational numbers from just one surdic equation.
Here are the precise statements:

=
(
THEOREM: abc + c b d cd ac
2

)
( )
(a) Suppose thatca b+2 b cx = A + B x, where a, b, A, B and x are rational, and
18 x 0 is not the square of a rational. Then a = A and b = B.

(b) Suppose that a + 2b = A + B, where a, b, A and B are rational with b 0
and B abc
=
cd
0, and b bis dnot
+
(
the square )
ac c of a rational. Then a = A and b = B.
c (b c )
2
c (b c )
2

ISBN: 9781107633322 (
As b,c thencBillbPender,2
)
c David Sadler, Julia Shea, Derek Ward 2012
Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party
Cambridge University Press

a d a d
As + then + can be expressed as a ratio of integers.
b+ c c b+ c c

a d abc + c ( b 2 d cd ac )
Since + = then for the numerator to be an integer then
b+ c c c (b2 c )
b 2 d cd ac = 0 as ( b 2 d cd ac ) c .

b 2 d = cd + ac = c ( a + d ) .

a d
So if + then b 2 d = c ( a + d ) .
b+ c c
 a d
Prove + .
1+ c c

a d
From above if + then b 2 d = c ( a + d ) .
b+ c c

Using proof by contradiction

a d
Assume that + and let b = 1.
b+ c c
From the previous part d = c ( a + d ) .
a d
NB As a, b, c, and d are positive then + >0
1+ c c

a
+
d
=
(
a 1 c d c
+
)
1+ c c 1 c c

=
( )
ac 1 c + d c (1 c )
c (1 c )
ac + c ( d cd ac )
=
c (1 c )
ac
=
c (1 c )
[ d = cd + ac ]
a
=
1 c

Now c is a positive, non-square integer and so c > 1 which means 1 c < 0 .

a d a a d
+ = < 0 , BUT from above + >0
1+ c c 1 c 1+ c c

a d a d
So + cant be a rational number i.e. +
1+ c c 1+ c c