Square root of an irrational number is an irrational number
Hello Everyone. Before going to the proof, let us go into the basics of Rational and Irrational numbers.
Rational Number : A number that can be expressed as the fraction p/q of two integers p and q, where q not equal to zero.
Irrational Number : A number that cannot be expressed as the fraction p/q of two integers p and q, where q not equal to zero.
What is required to prove : Square root of an irrational number will be an irrational number.
Proof :
Let m be an irrational number. --------- (1)
Let us think that we don't know whether √m is rational or irrational number.
So, let us assume √m as a rational number initially.
Then, √m = p/q where p and q are some integers and q is not equal to zero. (According to the definition)
So, √m = p/q
Square on both sides
Then, m = (p^2)/(q^2)
It implies that m is a rational number. (According to the definition)
But m is an irrational number [From (1)]
A number cannot be both rational and irrational at a time.
This condition is developed due to our consideration of √m = p/q i.e. √m as a rational number. Therefore our consideration should be false.
It implies √m should be irrational.
Therefore, square root of an irrational number is an irrational number.
Question to think : Where can we see Irrational numbers in our life ?
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