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 【Example 1】Calculate:
Chapter 10 Surds (Radicals)
(1) ( 4)2 ; (2) ( 5) 2 ;
2
10.1 Surds  3 3
(3)   ; (4) (2 3) 2 .
The square root of a, a ( a ≥ 0 ) where a appears under a  5
square root sign (or radical sign) is called a Surd (or a radical). For Solution (1) ( 4) 2 = 22 = 4 or ( 4)2 = 4 ;
3 (2) ( 5) 2 = 5 ;
example, 3 , , b 2 + 1 , (a − b) 2 are surds. In the doman of
5 2
 3 3
 = ;
real numbers, we cannot take square root of negative numbers. (3) 
Therefore, −5 and a ( a < 0 ) are undefined. In this chapter, all  5 5
alphabets are positive numbers unless otherwise specified. (4) (2 3) 2 = 2 2 × ( 3) 2 = 4 × 3 = 12 .
As mentioned in the previous chapter, the positive square root of
a positive number is also called the principal square root, labelled Reversing the above formula ( a ) 2 = a ( a ≥ 0 ) will result in:
as a . This indicates that a is a positive number and a > 0 . a = ( a ) 2 ( a ≥ 0 ).
Sqaure root of 0 is also called the principal square root of zero, By making use of this formula, we can rewrite any non-negative
labelled as 0 and we have 0 = 0 . According to the above number in the form of a square of another number.
analysis, it can be observed that a ≥ 0 ( a ≥ 0 ), that is a ( a ≥ 0 ) 【Example 2】Rewrite the following non-negative number in the
always a non-negative number (a non-negative number is either zero form of a square:
or positive.) 1
(1) 2 ; (2) 0.5 ; (3) ; (4) ab.
According to the definition of square root, if a number when 7
squared equals 2, then the number is called the square root of 2. Solution (1) 2 = ( 2)2 ; (2) 0.5 = ( 0.5)2 ;
Therefore, we have the relaltionship that the square of the square root 2
1  1
of 2 is 2: (3) =   ; (4) ab = ( ab ) 2 .
7  7
( 2)2 = 2 .
In general, if a number when squared equals a, then the number Practice
is called the square root of a. Therefore, we have the relationship that 1. Calculate:
the square of the square root of a is a:  2
2

2
1
(1) ( 0.5) ;2
(2)   ; (3) (5 7 ) ; 2
(4)  −3  .
( a ) 2 = a (a ≥ 0 )  7  3

3
means . In general, means .

- 37 - - 38 -
 Practice By comparing a 2 and | a | , we have:
2. Rewrite the following non-negative number in the form of a
square:  a (a > 0)

(1) 9; (2) 6; (3) 2.5; (4) 0.25; (5) b; (6) 4a. a =| a | =  0 (a = 0)
2

−a (a < 0)

We now examine the principal square root of a 2 , i.e. a 2 ,
【Example 3】Calculate:
when a takes on different values, namely a > 0 , a = 0 and a < 0 .
(1) 22 = 2 , 32 = 3 ; (1) (−1.5) 2 ;
In general, when a > 0 , a2 = a . (2) (a − 3)2 ( a < 3 ).
(2) 02 = 0 ;
Solution (1) (−1.5) 2 =| −1.5 |= 1.5 ;
In other words, when a = 0 , a2 = a .
(3) (−2) 2 = 4 = 2 = −(−2) since 2 and −2 are opposite (2) (a − 3) 2 =| a − 3 |
numbers ∵ a<3
∴ a −3 < 0
(−3)2 = 9 = 3 = −(−3) since 3 and −3 are opposite
∴ (a − 3)2 =| a − 3 |= −(a − 3) = 3 − a
numbers
In general, when a < 0 , a 2 = −a .
Practice
1. (Mental) Is the following equation correct? Why?
Summarising the above, we have: (1) ( 7 )2 = 7 ; (2) (− 7 )2 = −7 ;
 a (a > 0) (3) 62 = 6 ; (4) (−6) 2 = −6 .

a =  0 (a = 0)
2
2. (Mental) Fnd the value of each of the following expression:
− a (a < 0) (1) ( 0.8)2 ; (2) 0.82 ;

and it is known that (3) (−0.8) 2 ; (4) − (−0.8) 2 .
3. Simplify:
 a (a > 0)
  1 
2
| a | =  0 (a = 0) (1) (5 − 9) ;
2
(2) 3 − 2 ;
− a (a < 0)  2 

(3) (b − 4) 2 ( b > 4 ); (4) (m − n) 2 ( m < n ).

- 39 - - 40 -
 Practice In general, we have:

4. Two persons, A and B, calculated the value of a + 1 − 2a + a 2 . ab = a i b (a ≥ 0 , b ≥ 0 )

They obtained different answers when a = 5 . That is to say, the principal square root of a product is equal
A calculated the result as: to the product of the principal square roots of the constituent
a + 1 − 2a + a 2 = a + (1 − a ) 2 = a + 1 − a = 1 factors.
B calculated the result ast: 【Example 1】Calculate:
a + 1 − 2a + a = a + (a − 1) = a + a − 1
2 2
(1) 16 × 81 ; (2) 0.09 × 0.25 ;
= 2a − 1 = 2 × 5 − 1 = 9 (3) 17 − 8 .
2 2

Which answer is correct? For the answer that is incorrect, which

part of the calculation is incorrect? Why? Solution (1) 16 × 81 = 16 × 81 = 4 × 9 = 36 ；
(2) 0.09 × 0.25 = 0.09 × 0.25 = 0.3 × 0.5 = 0.15 ；
10.2 Basic property of Surd (3) 17 2 − 82 = (17 + 8)(17 − 8) = 25 × 9 = 5 × 3 = 15 .

As we understand, the surd a ( a ≥ 0 ) is the principal square

root of a. Therefore, when we study the property of Surd, it is suffice Practice
to study the property of the principal square root. 1. Calculate:
(1) 49 × 121 ; (2) 81×169 ; (3) 9 × 25 × 225 ;
1. Product of principal square roots
(4) 262 − 102 ; (5) 0.652 − 0.162 ; (6) 25a 4b6 c 2 .
Let us examine the following example: 2. Is each of the following equation correct? Why?
( 4 × 9)2 = 4 × 9 = 36 (1) 32 + 42 = 3 + 4 = 7 ; (2) 412 − 402 = 41 − 40 = 1 .
( 4 × 9)2 = ( 4) 2 × ( 9) 2 = 4 × 9 = 36
From the first equation, we know that 4 × 9 is a square root of 【Example 2】Simplify:
36. Since 4 × 9 is positive, it is the principal square root of 36. (1) 102 × 2 ; (2) 48 ;
From the second equation, we know that 4 × 9 is a square
(3) 4a 2b 3 ; (4) x4 + x2 y 2 .
root of 36. Since 4 × 9 is positive, it is the prinicipal square root
of 36. Solution (1) 102 × 2 = 102 × 2 = 10 2 ;
As the principal square root of a number is unique, so 4 × 9 (2) 48 = 42 × 3 = 42 × 3 = 4 3 ;
and 4 × 9 must be the same. That is (3) 4a 2b3 = 2 2 i a 2 i b 2 i b = 2ab b ;
4×9 = 4 × 9 . (4) x4 + x2 y 2 = x2 ( x2 + y 2 ) = x x2 + y2 .

- 41 - - 42 -
 It can be observed from Example 2 that, for any squared factors Practice
inside the radical sign, we can take the principal square root of them 2. For the following expression, move the factors from the outside
and move them outside the radical sign. On the other hand, we can of the radical sign to the inside of the radical sign without
also transform any non-negative factor(s) from the outside of the changing the value of the expression:
radical sign to the insdie of the radical sign by squaring them.
(1) 5 2 ; (2) −7 3 ; (3) 6 5 ;
【Example 3】 For the following expression, move the factors from
c b
the outside of the radical sign to the inside of the (4) 2 0.5 ; (5) −12 ; (6) a .
radical sign without changing the value of the 2 a
expression: 3. (Mental) Is the following equation correct? Why?
(1) 5 3 ; (2) −3 a ; (3) 4b bc . (1) 2a b = 2a 2b ; (2) −3 2 = (−3)2 × 2 = 18 ;
Solution (1) 5 3 = 52 × 3 = 75 ; a
(3) 3 = a.
(2) −3 a = − 32 i a = − 9a ; 3
(3) 4b bc = (4b) 2 i bc = 16b3c .

Think for a while: Why is it not correct to write −3 a = (−3) 2 a 2. Quotient of principal square roots
= 9a ? Let us look at the following example;
2
【Example 4】For the following expression, move the factors from  2 2
the outside of the radical sign to the inside of the   =
radical sign without changing the value of the  5 5
2
1  2  ( 2) 2 2
expression: (1) 10 0.1 ; (2) 5 .   = =
5  5 ( 5)2 5
Solution (1) 10 0.1 = 102 × 0.1 = 10 ; 2
From the first equation, we know that is a square root of
1 1 5
(2) 5 = 52 × = 5 .
5 5 2 2 2
. Since is positive, it is the principal square root of .
Practice 5 5 5
1. Simplify: 2
From the second equation, we know that is a square root
(1) 18 ; (2) − 27 × 15 ; (3) 212 − 42 ; 5
(4) 9x ; (5) 5a 3 ; (6) 8x 2 y 3 ; 2 2 2
of . Since is positive, it is the principal square root of .
1 5 5 5
(7) 9a 2bc3 ; (8) 16( x + 2)3 .
6

- 43 - - 44 -
 2 Let us look at another example:
As the principal square root of a number is unique, so and
5 a aib ab 1
= = = ab .
2 b bib b2 b
are the same. That is
5 The above example shows a very useful transformation. There
2 2 is a surd b in the denominator which we would like to eliminate.
= .
5 5 We obserse that, by multiplying both the numerator and the
In general, we have: denominator by the same surd b , the denominator is converted to

a a b 2 = b . which does not fall under a radical sign and is no longer a

= (a ≥ 0 ， b > 0 )
b b a 1
surd. The expression is thus simplified to ab which does
b b
That is to say, the principal square root of a quotient is equal not have a surd in its denominator.
to the quotient of the principal square root of the dividend
divided by the principal square root of the divisor.
【Example 6】For the following expression, transform the surd to
【Example 5】Calculate: eliminate the denominator under the radical:
4 15 2 1
(1) ; (2) 1 ; (1) ; (2) 1 ;
9 49 3 7
3 25 x 4 4x a −5
(3) ; (4) . (3) ; (4) ( a > 5 ).
100 81 y 2 3y a+5

4 4 2 2 2×3 1
Solution (1) = = ; Solution (1) = = 6;
9 9 3 3 3× 3 3
15 64 64 8 1 1 8 8× 7 22 × 2 × 7 2
(2) 1 = = = =1 ; (2) 1 = = = = 14 ;
49 49 49 7 7 7 7 7×7 7×7 7
3 3 1 4x 4x i 3y 2
(3) = = 3; (3) = = 3xy ;
100 100 10 3y 3y i 3y 3y
25 x 4 25 x 4 5 x 2 a −5 (a − 5)(a + 5) 1
(4) = = . (4) = = a 2 − 25 .
81y 2 81y 2 9y a+5 (a + 5) 2
a+5

- 45 - - 46 -
 Practice b ab a 2
a2 = a2 2 = ab = a ab
1. Calculate: a a a
25 4 0.01 b
(1) ; (2) ; (3) ; Although the surds a 3b and a 2 are different in
64 225 0.16 a
36 × 9 0.04 × 144 1 appearance, they can both be transformed into a comparatively
(4) ; (5) ; (6) 4 ;
121 0.49 × 169 9 simplified form as a ab . When we compare a ab with a 3b
6 49m 2 n b
(7) ; (8) . and with a 2 , we note that the surd in the form of a ab
4a 2 9c 2 a
2. Transform the surd by eliminating the denominator under the satisfies the following 2 conditions:
radical sign: (1) The power of every factor under the radical sign is less
1 7 1 than 2;
(1) ; (2) ; (3) 5 ;
2 12 3 (2) There is no denominator under the radical sign.
5 27 n A surd satisfying these 2 conditions is said to be expressed in its
(4) 6 ; (5) ; (6) ; y
6 2x 3m 2 simplest form. For example: 4 5a , , a 2 + b are surds in
a a−b 2
(7) ; (8) ( a > b ). c
50 a+b simplest form, while 4a 3 , and 8 are not.
3. (Mental) Is following equation correct? Why? 3
3 3 1 For a surd which is not presented in its simplest form, we can
(1) =2 3; (2) = 3; transform the surd to its simplest form using the method described
4 2 2
above (i) to eliminate the denominator under the radical, and (i) to
8 a 1 move the squared factors to the outside of the radical.
(3) = 2; (4) = a.
2 9b 3b After transforming the surd to its simplest form, the surd will
consist of two parts: (i) a part under the radical sign, and (ii) a part
outside the radical sign which is the coefficient of the surd.
10.3 Transforming Surd to Simplest Form and 【Example】Transform the following surd to its simplest form:
Identifying Like Surds 1
(1) 12 ; (2) ;
1. Surd in its Simplest Form 3
Let us look at the following example: 1 y
(3) 4 1 ; (4) x2 .
2 x
a 3b = a 2 i ab = a 2 i ab = a ab

- 47 - - 48 -
Solution (1) 12 = 22 × 3 = 2 3 ; 2. Identifying Like Surds
1
1 3 3 By simplifying 12 and to the simplest form, we have
(2) = = ; 3
3 3× 3 3
1 3 6 12 = 22 × 3 = 2 3
(3) 4 1 = 4 =4 =2 6;
2 2 4 1 3 1
= = 3
y xy 3 3× 3 3
(4) x 2 = x 2 2 = x xy . 1
x x The number under the radical sign for 2 3 and 3 are the
Note: When transforming a surd to its simplest form, an essential 3
step is to factorise the values under the radical sign into prime same number, namely 3. If there are a number of surds, which after
factors. having been transformed to the simplest form, have the same number
1
inside the radical, we call them Like Surds. For example, 12 ,
Practice 3
1. Distinguish which surd is in its simplest form. If it is not, 1
and 3 are like surds. a ab and 3 ab are also like surds.
transform it to its simplest form. 2
ab However, 2 and 3 are unlike surds. Similarly, a and 3a
(1) 45 ; (2) 25a3 ; (3) ; are also unlike surds.
4
We have learnt that, when adding like terms under a polynomiial,
b 2
(4) 14 ; (5) ; (6) ; we can group and combine like terms together. In a similar manner,
a 2 when adding like surds under an expression, we can group and
4y combine like surds together.
(7) 6a 2b3 ; (8) ; (9) a + b 2 .
5x
【Example 1】 Idnetify from the following surds, which of them
2. Transform the following surd into its simplest form: are like surds?
8 1 1 2 a
(1) 3 216 ; (2) 32 ; (3) ; 2 , 75 , , , 3, 8ab3 , 6b .
9 50 27 3 2b
1 20a 2b Solution ∵ 75 = 52 × 3 = 5 3
(4) 1 ; (5) ; (6) 2 a 3b3 ;
3 a 1 2 1
= = 2
1 50 50 × 2 10
1 ab (9) (a − b)
(7) x 2 ; (8) ; a−b 1 3 1
8x3 ( a + b) 2 = = 3
(a > b) 27 27 × 3 9

- 49 - - 50 -
 2 2 4b Practice
8ab3 = i 2b 2ab = 2ab
3 3 3 2. Group and combine like surds in the following expression:
6b
a
= 6b
a i 2b
= 3 2ab (1) 6 a + 2 b − 4 a + 3 b ;
2b 2b i 2b 3
(2) 5+ 3+2 5− −3 5 ;
1 3
∴ 2, are like surds.
50 (3) 6 3 + 0.12 + 48 ;
1 5 xy
75 , , 3 are like surds. (4) xy − 2 xy − .
27 2 2
2 a
8ab3 , 6b are like surds.
3 2b
Exercise 3
【Example 2】Group and combine like surds in the following
expression 1. For what value of real number a would the following expression
1 1 be defined in the domain of real numbers?
(1) 2 2 − 3+ 2− 2+ 3；
2 3 a−2 , 2−a , a+2 , (a − 2)2
(2) 3 xy − a xy + b xy 。 2. Rewrite the following expressions into difference of two squares,
1 1 and further factorise it.
Solution (1) 2 2− 3+ 2− 2+ 3
2 3 (1) x 2 − 9 ; (2) a 2 − 3 ; (3) 4a 2 − 7 ; (4) 16b 2 − 11 .
 1   1  4 1
=  2 + − 1 2 +  − + 1 3 = 2+ 3 3. Calculate:
 3   2  3 2
(1) ( 11)2 ; (2) (−13) 2 ; (3) − (5 × 6) 2 ;
(2) 3 xy − a xy + b xy = (3 − a + b) xy 2
 2
(4) 6
a ; (5)  −7  ; (6) ( x + 5) 2 ;
Practice  7
1. Identify which of the following surds are unlike surds? (7) x 2 − 2 x + 1 ( x ≥ 1 ); (8) ( x − y )2 ( x ≥ y );
1
(1) 63 , 28 ; (2) 12 , 27 , 4 ; (9) x 2 − 4 x + 4 ( x < 2 );
3
(10) x + y + x 2 − 2 xy + y 2 ( x < y ).
2
(3) 4x3 , 2 2x ; (4) 18 , 50 , 2 ; 4. Calculate:
9
(1) 9 × 25 ; (2) 36 × 256 ;
(5) 2x , 2a 2 x3 , 50xy 2 .
(3) 25 × 81× 289 ; (4) 132 − 122 ;

- 51 - - 52 -
 (5) 652 − 162 ; (6) 9a 2 ; 7(a − b) 1 1
(7) ( a > b ); (8) a − ( a < b );
(7) ( x + y)2 c2 ; (8) (a + b)2 (a − b) 2 ( a < b ). 27(a + b) a 2 b2
a+b
5. Simplify: (9) ( a < b ).
(−32)(−15) ; ( a − b) 2
(1) 56 × 3 ; (2) 242 × 49 ; (3)
(4) 4x3 ；; (5) 7a 4 ; (6) 5a ( x + a ) 3 ; 9. Transform the surd to the simplest form:
1 4
(7) 8(a + b) 4 (c − d ) 4 ; (8) a 2 n (n is an integer). (1) 72 ; (2) 6 ; (3) 10 1 ;
8 5
6. Transferm the expression by moving the positive factors outside 2 2
 1  + 1 x
the radical sign to the inside of the radical sign without changing (4) (−8) − 4 × (−4) (5)
2
3    (6) ;
the value of the expression  2 2 y
1 2a 2 b3 b 2
(1) 2 6 ; (2) −5 7 ; (3) 4 ; (7) 25m3 + 50m2 ; (8) − ( b > 1 );
2 3b a4 a4

(4) −2a b ;
2 1 1
+ . a a 2b − 4ab 2 + 4b3
(5) 3; (6) ab (9) ( a < 2b ).
3 a b a − 2b a
7. Calculate:
10. When a = 1 , b = 10 , c = −15 , find the value of the expression
9 34 0.16
(1) ; (2) 2 ; (3) ; −b + b 2 − 4ac
49 81 0.0225 (express the surd in the simplest form in the
2a
0.01× 64 27 25 y 4 answer).
(4) ; (5) ; (6) ;
0.36 × 4 100 121x 6
2 2
11. When a = 2 , b = −8 , c = 5 , find the value of the expression
18a 2
(8) 1  −  
1 2
(7) ; (9) 1302 − 662 . −b − b 2 − 4ac
4b 2  25   5  (express the surd in the simplest form in the
2a
8. Transform the surd by eliminating the denominator under the answer).
rdical sign:
12. In the following surds, which of them are like surds?
1 3 127
(1) ; (2) 2 ; (3) ; 5 1 4 1
6 11 32 8 , 20 , − , , 3 , − 121a 3 , a , 2 a 3b 3 c ,
16 18 5 a
3 n3 b
(4) 8 ; (5) ; (6) a ; c 1 n3
128 9m a5 3
3 a bc , 4 3
, ( m > p ), ( m > p ).
ab mn − np m− p

- 53 - - 54 -
13. Group and combine the like surds in the following expression. 2 x 1
【Example 2】Calculate 9x + 6 − 2x .
3 2 3 4 x
(1) 2 + 3 +3 2 − − ;
3 2 2 x 1
2 1 Solution 9x + 6 − 2x = 2 x +3 x −2 x = 3 x .
(2) 125 + 3 − 4 216 − 3 ; 3 4 x
27 5
(3) 5 xy − 7 x − 3 yx + 4 x ;  1  1 
【Example 3】Calculate  32 + 0.5 − 2  −  − 75  .
   3  8 
(4) 2a 3ab 2 −  b 27a 3 − 2ab 3a  .  1  1 
5 4  Solution  32 + 0.5 − 2  −  − 75 
 3  8 
1 1 1
= 32 + −2 − − 75
2 3 8
1 2 1
=4 2+ 2− 3− 2 +5 3
2 3 4
10.4 Addition and subtraction of Surds
=  4 + −  2 +  5 −  3
1 1 2
Addition and subtraction of Surds is the grouping and combining  2 4  3
of like surds, similar to the addition and subtraction of like terms in 17 13
= 2+ 3
polynomials. Before we can combine like surds, we shall need to 4 3
transform all surds to the simplest form first. In other words, to
perform addition and subtraction of expressions involving surds, we Practice
shall need to transform all surds into the simplest form, then we can 1. Calculate:
group and combine like surds together. (1) 5 2 + 8 − 7 18 ; (2) 28 + 9 112 ;
2 1 1 1
【Example 1】Calculate 2 12 − 4
1
+ 3 48 . (3) 3 40 − −2 ; (4) 12 + − ;
27 5 10 27 3
1 8 1
1 4 (5) 32 + − 50 ; (6) 2 x − 8 x 3 + 2 2 xy 2 ;
Solution 2 12 − 4 + 3 48 = 4 3 − 3 + 12 3 3 2 5
27 9
1 x 1
 4  (7) x + 4y − +y ;
=  4 − + 12  3 x 2 y
 9 
=
140 −b + b 2 − 4ac −b − b 2 − 4ac
3 (8) + ( b 2 > 4ac ).
9 2a 2a

- 55 - - 56 -
 Practice 10.5 Multiplication of Surds
2. Calculate: By reversing the equation ab = a i b , we get
(1) 18 − ( 98 − 2 75 + 27) ; a i b = ab .
 1  We can apply this formula to calculate the Multiplication of
(2) ( 45 + 108) +  1 − 125  ;
 3  Surds. From the formula, we know that the product of two surds is a
 surd with the value under the radical sign being the product of the
2  1 
(3)  24 − 0.5 − 2 − − 6; values under the radical sign of the original surds.
 3  8 
1 3 【Example 1】Calculate: (1) 14 i 7 ; (2) 3 5a i 2 10b .
(4) ( 2 + 3) − ( 2 − 27 ) ;
2 4 Solution (1) 14 i 7 = 14 × 7 = 7 2 × 2 = 7 2 ;
a
(5) a 2 8a + 3a 50a 3 − 18a 3 ; (2) 3 5a i 2 10b = 3 × 2 5a i 10b = 30 2ab .
2
 a 2 3   b  Note: If the result of an operation on surds gives rise to some surds,
(6)  4b + a b  −  3a + 9ab  .
 b a   a  in general, we shall need to transform the surds to the simplest form
to see if they can be further simplified.
3. Find the value of the following expression (correct to the nearest
0.01):  8 
【Example 2】Calculate: (1)  −5 3 i 6 ;
2 2 1  27 
(1) 2 + − 54 ;
3 3 5 (2) (5 + 6)(5 2 − 2 3) .
 1 1  5 4   8  8
(2)  5 + 20  −  − 45  . Solution (1)  −5 3 i 6 = i 6 −5 3 i 6
 5 2  4 5   27  27
4. Is the following equation correct? Why? 8
= × 6 − 5 3× 6
(1) 2 + 3 = 5 ; 27
(2) 2 + 2 = 2 2 ; 4
= − 15 2
(3) a x − b x = (a − b) x ; 3
(2) (5 + 6)(5 2 − 2 3) = 25 2 − 10 3 + 5 12 − 2 18
8 + 18
(4) = 4 + 9 = 2+3=5. = 25 2 − 10 3 + 10 3 − 6 2
2
= 19 2
Multiplication of a sum of surds by another sum of surds is
similar to the multiplication of polynomials. Whatever multiplicative

- 57 - - 58 -
rules that can be applied to the multiplication of polynomials can also
Practice
be applied to the multiplication of the sum of surds.
2. Calculate:
【Example 3】Calculate: (1) (2 3 + 3 2)(2 3 − 3 2) ; (1) ( 12 − 3 75) i 3 ; (2) 2 5( 10 + 4 12) ;
(2) (4 + 3 5) 2 ;
(3) ( 2 + 2 12 − 6) i 2 3 ; (4) 3 6(3 2 − 15) .
(3) ( 6 − 3 3) 2 .
3. Calculate:
Solution (1) (2 3 + 3 2)(2 3 − 3 2) = (2 3) 2 − (3 2)2 (1) (2 3 − 2)(3 2 − 3) ;
= 12 − 18
 
(2)  5 − 2 3   3 5 − 
1
= −6 3;
 3  2 
(2) (4 + 3 5) = 4 + 2 i 4 i 3 5 + (3 5)2
2 2

(3) ( a + b )( a − c ) ; (4) (2 x + y )( x − y ) .
= 16 + 24 5 + 45
4. Calculate:
= 61 + 24 5 (1) (4 − 3 5)(4 + 3 5) ; (2) (7 2 + 2 6)(2 6 − 7 2) ;
(3) ( 6 − 3 3) 2 = ( 6)2 − 2 i 6 i 3 3 + (3 3) 2
(3) ( 4 x + 3 − 2 x )( 4 x + 3 + 2 x ) ;
= 6 − 18 2 + 27 2
 
= 33 − 18 2 (4) ( 3 + 2 2) ;2
(5)  −1 − 3  ;
 2 
【Example 4】Calculate: (1) ( 3 + 6)( 3 − 6) ; 2
 a b
(2) (2 ax − 5 by )(2 ax + 5 by ) . (6) (4 7 − 7 3) ; 2
(7)  +  ;
 b a
Solution (1) ( 3 + 6)( 3 − 6) = ( 3)2 − ( 6) 2 = 3 − 6 = −3 ； (8) ( x + y ) 2 + ( x − y ) 2 ;
(2) (2 ax − 5 by )(2 ax + 5 by ) = (2 ax ) − (5 by )
2 2
(9) ( 2 + 3 − 6) 2 − ( 2 − 3 + 6) 2 ;
= 4ax − 25by
(10) (1 + 2 − 3)(1 − 2 + 3) .
Practice
1. Calculate:
(1) 5 i 3; (2) 6 27 i (−2 3) ; 10.6 Division of Surds
3 2 a a
(3) 9 45 × 2 ; (4) 6x i 2x ; By reversing the equation = , we get
2 3 b b
a b b a 1 a a
(5) i ; (6) 10 x y i . = .
b a a b x b b

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 We can apply this formula to perform the operation of division 1
In a similar manner, to simplify ，we multiply both the
of surds. For example, if we need to find the quotient of a ÷ b , 3− 2
we can apply the formula to find the square root of the quotient numerator and denominator by the same factor ( 3 + 2) , as
a follows:
a ÷ b , which is .
b 1 3+ 2
=
【Example 1】Calculate: (1) 72 ÷ 6 ； 3 − 2 ( 3 − 2)( 3 + 2)
3+ 2
(2)
1
1 ÷
1
. =
2 6 3−2
72 72 = 3+ 2
Solution (1) 72 ÷ 6 = = = 12 = 2 3 ; The process of eliminating the surd in the denominator is called
6 6
Rationalising the Denominator (or Denominator Rationisation).
3 If two expressions with surds are multiplied together, the
1 1 3
(2) 1 ÷ = 2 = ×6 = 9 = 3. resulting expression does not contain any surd, we say that the two
2 6 1 2 expressions are rationalising factors to each other.
6 In the above example, 2 and 2 , 3 + 2 and 3 − 2
are rationalisation factors to each other or mutually rationalisation
a factors.
When the surd is in the form of , we can apply fraction
b
reduction process to reduce the fraction by cancelling common 【Example 2】Rationalize the denominator of the following
factors between a and b. If the denominator cannot be totally expression:
removed after the fraction reduction process, we shall change the 1 4
(1) ; (2) ;
a 5 3 7
surd back to the form and apply another process to eliminate
b a 5a
(3) ; (4) .
the surd in the denominator, .which is to multiply both the numerator a+b 20a
and denominator by b . 1 5 5
Solution (1) = = ;
3 5 5i 5 5
For example, to remove the surd in the denominator of , we
2 4 4i 7 4
(2) = = 7;
multiply both numerator and denominator by 2 as follows: 3 7 3 7 i 7 21
3 3× 2 6 1 a i a+b
= = = 6. a a
2 2 × 2 ( 2) 2
2 (3) = = a+b ;
a+b a+b i a+b a+b

- 61 - - 62 -
 5a 5( a ) 2 1 reduction process first to reduce the fraction by cancelling common
(4) = = a. factors. If the denominator is not totally removed, we shall then
20a 2 5 i a 2
apply the denominator rationalisation process to eliminate the
It can be observed from Questions (1) to (3) of Example 2 that denominator.
the rationalising factor of a is a . Sometimes, in the fraction 【Example 4】Calculate: (1) (6 7 − 4 2) ÷ 3 ;
reduction process, the denominator is totally removed, and there is
(2) ( 12 − 5 8) ÷ ( 6 + 2) .
no need to perform the rationalisation process. This can be seen in
Question (4) of Example 2. (6 7 − 4 2) i 3
Solution (1) (6 7 − 4 2) ÷ 3 =
【Example 3】Rationalise the denominator of the following 3i 3
4
expression: = 2 21 − 6
3
1 2 12 − 5 8
(1) ; (2) ; (2) ( 12 − 5 8) ÷ ( 6 + 2) =
2 +1 3− 3 6+ 2
x− y x− y (2 3 − 10 2)( 6 − 2)
(3) ( x ≠ y ); (4) . =
x+ y x+ y ( 6 + 2)( 6 − 2)

2 −1 2 −1 6 2 − 2 6 − 20 3 + 20
Solution (1)
1
= = = 2 −1 ; =
2 −1 4
2 + 1 ( 2 + 1)( 2 − 1)
3 1
2 2(3 + 3) 3 2+ 6 3 2+ 6 = 2− 6 −5 3 +5
(2) = = = ; 2 2
3− 3 (3 − 3)(3 + 3) 9−3 6
In general, regarding the division of Surds, we can first write it
x− y ( x − y )2x + y − 2 xy
(3) = = ; in fractional form, followed by denominator rationalisation.
x + y ( x + y )( x − y ) x− y
x− y ( x ) 2 − ( y ) 2 ( x + y )( x − y ) Practice
(4) = = 1. Calculate:
x+ y x+ y x+ y
3 1
= x− y (1) − 54 ÷ 3 ; (2) 1 ÷ 3 ;
5 5
It can be observed from Questions (1) to (3) in the above 1 1 2 1
(3) 6 3 ÷ 3 6 ; (4) 6i4 ÷ 1 ;
example that a x + b y and a x − b y are rationalising factors 2 12 3 2
of each other. Further, it can be observed from Question (4) that, a
when a fraction is involved, it is usually simpler to apply fraction (5) 4 6a 3 ÷ 2 ; (6) a 2 x ÷ ax3 .
3

- 63 - - 64 -
 2. Calculate:
Practice
2. Rationalise the denominator of the following expression: (1) ( 18 − 98) + (2 75 − 27 ) ;
1 3 x2 (2) ( 45 + 18) − ( 8 − 125) ;
(1) ; (2) ; (3) ;
3 40 4 xy  1 1  1 
(3)  12 − − 2  − 2 − 18  ;
2n a2 − b2  2 3  8 
(4) ; (5) .
3 n a+b  1 1  5 4 
(4) 5 − 20  +  − 45  ;
3. Calculate:  5 2  4 5 
(1) 3 ÷ (5 − 7) − (2 3 − 5 7 )2 ;  1 
(5) 7 a −a − 4 ab 2  ;
(2) (2 3 − 2)(3 6 + 2) + (3 3 + 5 2) ÷ (3 3 − 5 2) .  a 
2 y  x 1
(6)  x 9x + 6x + − x2 .
3 x  y x
Exercise 4
3. (1) When x = 7 , calculate the value of the following expression:
1. Calculate:
x + 5 + x − 4 − 4x −1 .
(1) 3 8 + 2 32 − 50 ; (2) 9 3 − 7 12 + 5 48 ;
(2) When x = 4 and y = 16 , calculate the value of the
3 2 2 1 1
(3) 6− − ; (4) 2 + − 54 ; following expression:
2 3 3 6 5 1 1 2
1 1 1 x3 + x 2 y + xy 2 + x y + xy 2 + y 3
(5) + 2 20 − 4 − 5; 4 4
5 5 5 4. Calculate:
1 1 2 2 3  2
(6) 12 + 3 1 − 5 − 48 ; (1) 15 i 1 ; (2) 6 1 i  −5 2  ;
3 3 3 3 5  5
3a 1
(7) 2a 27a + 6a ; (3) 12 x i 2 3 x ;
4 2
1 3 1 1
(8) x − ; (4) 10a 2 ab i 5 ;
a x a
b 3 1 1 3 2
(9) 2a 3ab 2 − 27a 3 + 2ab a ; (5) 30 i 40 i 2 ;
6 4 3 2 2 3
y x a  x b
(10) 5 x 3 y − 2 y xy − 6 xy + + . (6) 3 i  −2 i .
x y x  a a

- 65 - - 66 -
5. Calculate: 
2
2 4
(1) ( 12 + 5 8) i 3 ; (8) 3 1 − 1  ;
 3 5
 1 
(2) 3 2 i  2 12 − 4 + 3 48  ; (9) ( 2 + 3 − 6)( 2 − 3 − 6) ;
 8 
(10) ( x + y + x − y ) 2 + ( x + y − x − y ) 2 ( x > y ).
 y x
(3)  xy − 2 +  i xy ; 8. Rationalise the denominator of the following expression:
 x y
3 2 7n
(4) ( a 3b + ab3 − ab) i ab ; (1) ; (2) ; (3) ;
5 3 40 3 n
3 5  3
(5)  −2 3− (1 − 4 3 + 3 5) . x −1 1
4 3  2 (4) ( x > 1 ); (5) ;
x +1 5−2
6. Calculate:
5 3 + 15
(1) (2 3 − 2)(3 6 + 2) ; (6) ; (7) ;
3+ 2 3 − 15
(2) ( 27 + 28)( 12 − 63) ;
3 5−2 3 2 x+2 +3 x−2
(3) (2 3 − 3 2 + 6)( 6 − 5 3) ; (8) ; (9) ( x > 2 ).
3 5+2 3 x+2 + x−2
(4) ( 5 + 3 + 2)( 5 − 2 3 + 2) ;
9. Calculate:
(5) ( x + 3)(2 x + 3 2) ;
1 3 2 2
(6) ( x + y + 2 xy )( x − y ) . (1) ÷ 2 ; (2) 20a ÷ b;
45 2 3 3
7. Calculate: 2
(3) 15 i 1 ÷ 24 ;
(1) (5 3 + 4 2)(5 3 − 4 2) ; 3
(2) (7 5 + 6 7 )(6 7 − 7 5) ; a  b 1
(4) i ÷  ( x > 1 );
(3) (3 2 + 48)( 18 − 4 3) ; b  a b
 −b + b 2 − 4ac  −b − b 2 − 4ac   1 1
(4)    ( b − 4ac > 0 );
2
(5)  48 + 1  ÷ 27 ;
 2a  2a   2 2
(7 3 + 2 7) ;2 3 
(5) (6)  7 − 6  ÷ ( 5 − 3) ;
4 
(6) (4 − 5 3) ;
2

2 (7) (7 2 + 2 6) ÷ (2 6 − 7 2) ;
 x
(7) 3 a + 2  ;  1 1 
 a (8) 15 ÷  + ;
 3 2

- 67 - - 68 -
10. Calculate the value of the following expression (correct to the Chapter Summary
nearest 0.01):
5 −1 2 I. This chapter mainly teaches the basic property and operation
(1) ; (2) ;
2 3− 3 of Surds (also known as Radicals).
3 2 5− 3 II. Basing on the property of principal square root being unique,
(3) − ; (4) ;
2 2 5 +1 5+ 3 we have derived the following basic properties for Surds:
2
 2  , where x = 3 ; ( a )2 = a (a ≥ 0)
(5)  
 x +1  a (a > 0)

a − 4b a 2 =| a |=  0 (a = 0)
(6) , where a = 6 , b = 5 .
a −2 b −a (a < 0)

2 ab = a i b (a ≥ 0、b ≥ 0)
11. (1) Given x = , find the value of x 2 − x + 1 ;
3 −1 a a
= (a ≥ 0、b > 0)
3x 2 − 2 x + 5 b b
(2) Given x = 2 + 3 , find the value of .
2x − 7
III. From the basic property of Surds, we have derived the
12. Simplify: operation rules and simplification process for Surds.
1 1 2
(1) + − ;
3+ 2 2 +1 3 +1 A Surd in its simplest form satisfies the following 2 conditions:
5 1 6 7 −5 (1) The power of every factor unde the radical sign is less than
(2) − + − ; 2;
4 − 11 3 + 7 7 −2 2
(2) There is no denominator under the radical sign.
1 x 1
(3) x− y + − ( x − y )3 ( x > y ); When Surds are transformed into the simplest form, if two surds
y x− y x− y have the same values under the radical sign, we call them Like Surds,
x +1 − x x +1 + x and can combine them together into one surd.
(4) + .
x +1 + x x +1 − x For additions and subtractions, it is essential that we transform
all surds to the simplest form first. Then if there are Like Surds, we
can group them and combine them in the same way that we groupd
and combine like terms in a polynomial.
For multiplication of Surds, we operate using the formula
a i b = ab ( a ≥ 0 , b ≥ 0 ) and the multiplication rules for
polynomials.

- 69 - - 70 -
 For division of Surds, we operate using the formula
a
=
a (2) ∵ −2 3 = (−2) 2 × 3 = 12 and 12 = 2 3
b b ∴ −2 3 = 2 3
a ∴ −2 = 2
( a ≥ 0 , b > 0 ). For the fraction under the radical sign, we first
b
apply fraction reduction process to reduce the fraction to its simplest 4. What is meant by a surd in the simplest form? Please transform
form to see if the denominator can be totally removed. If the the following surd to the simplest form:
denominator cannot be totally removed, we shall transform the 2
(1) 500 ; (2) 4 ; (3) 12x ;
a 3
radical back to the form and simplify the surd by applying the
b 2 y
denominator rationalisation process to eliminate the denominator. (4) 3a 2b 2 ( b < 0 ); (5) 2
; (6) x 2 ;
3ab 8x
It is customary practice that, at the end of the operation, all surds x2 − y2 b2
that result from the operation are transformed to the simplest form. (7) ( x > y ); (8) ( x − y ) (x> y)
a x2 − y2
(9) (a 2 − b 2 )(a 4 − b 4 ) ( a > b ); (10) a 2 n +1b3 .
Revision Exercise 10 5. What is meant by like surds? Which of the following expressions
1. For what value of x would the following expression be defined in are like surds?
the domain of real numbers? 1 5 1
44 , , − 1 , x3 y 2 , 175 , 2 a 2 x , 63 ,
(1) x − 3 ; (2) 3 − x ; (3) 1 + x 2 ; x 11 2
1 1 4 m
(4) ; (5) x + − x ; (6) . − 99 , 5 3 , ( x > 1 ), 225m3 .
x 2
1− x 7 1 − 2 x + x2
2. Factorise the following expression in the domain of real numbers. 6. Calculate:
(1) x 2 − 7 ; (2) 4a 4 − 1 ; (3) a 4 − 6a 2 + 9 ;  1 2  1 
(4) m 4 − 10m 2 n 2 + 25n 4 .
(1)  24 − +2 − + 6;
 2 3  8 
3. Explain how the incorrect result is derived wrongly from the b2 b2 x
(2) 7 a + 5 a x − 4
2
−6 ;
steps:: a 9
(1) ∵ (−3)2 = 32 1
(3) 2 12 i 3 ÷5 2 ;
∴ (−3)2 = 32 4
1 3 2
∵ (−3)2 = −3 and 32 = 3 (4) 9 45 ÷ 3 × 2 ;
5 2 3
∴ −3 = 3

- 71 - - 72 -
   1 2 −b + b 2 − 4ac −b − b 2 − 4ac
(5)  6 3 − 5 1   8− ; 9. Given x1 = , x2 = , where a, b, c
 2 2  4 3 2a 2a
x are real numbers and b 2 − 4ac ≥ 0 , find the value of the
(6) ( 2 x − 3 8 x3 ) ÷ 8 ; following expression:
4
(1) x1 + x2 ; (2) x1 i x2 ;
(7) (10 48 − 6 27 + 4 12) ÷ 6 ;
(3) ax12 + bx1 + c ; (4) ax22 + bx2 + c .
(8) (2 3 + 3 6)(2 3 − 3 6) ;
(9) ( x + x − 1)( x − x − 1) ( x > 1 ); 10. Solve the following equation:
(10) (8 5 + 6 3)2 ; (1) 6( x + 1) = 7( x − 1) ; (2)
3x
+1 =
2 2x
.
2 2 3
3 2 1
(11)  1 − 1  ;
2 3 4 11. Solve the following simultaneous linear equations:
(12) ( 2 + 2 3 − 3 6)( 2 − 2 3 + 3 6) ;  3x − 2 y = 1  2 x + 3 y = 7
(1)  (2) 
5 3 2+ 3  2 x − 3 y = 0  6 x − 7 y = 5
(13) + − ;
3 +1 5 − 3 2− 3
4 5 +3 6 5
(14) + ;
3 5 −2 6 5+ 2 ( This chapter is translated to English by courtesy of Mr. NG Luk Pan
(15) (5 3 + 2 5) ÷ (2 3 − 5) ; and reviewed by courtesy of Mr. SIN Wing Sang, Edward.)
(16) ( 2 + 3 + 5)(3 2 + 2 3 − 30) ;
n + 2 + n2 − 4 n + 2 − n2 − 4
(17) + ( n > 2 ).
n + 2 − n2 − 4 n + 2 + n2 − 4

7. When x = 2 − 3 , find the value of the expression

(7 + 4 3) x 2 + (2 + 3) x + 3 .

1 1
8. Given x = ( 7 + 5) , y = ( 7 − 5) , find the value of the
2 2
following expression:
x y
(1) x 2 − xy + y 2 ; (2) + .
y x

- 73 - - 74 -