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What is the sum of a rational number but a product of an irrational one.

What is the sum of a rational number but a product of an irrational one.-example-1
User Kotu
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1 Answer

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I'm going to only focus on part B

If 'a' and 'b' are rational numbers, then

  • a = p/q
  • b = r/s

where p,q,r,s are integers. Also, q and s are nonzero. In fact, this context would make sense to also have p and r to be nonzero as well.

The perimeter of this rectangle is

P = 2*(length+width)

P = 2*(a+b)

P = 2*(p/q + r/s)

P = 2*(ps/qs + qr/qs)

P = 2*( (ps+qr)/qs )

P = (2ps+2qr)/qs

P = integer/integer = some rational number

We see that the perimeter P is rational if and only if 'a' and 'b' are rational.

From this, notice that the area is

area = length*width = a*b = (p/q)*(r/s) = (pr)/(qs)

Showing that the area is also rational.

If we wanted the area to be irrational, then we'd have to have either 'a' and/or 'b' irrational; this would then make the perimeter irrational as well. This contradiction is sufficient to show that case B is not possible.

There is no way to have a rational perimeter but an irrational area.

User Brayan Pastor
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