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(3+√c) (2√c - 3) = 1 + k√c

where c and k are prime numbers.
(a) Find the value of c and the value of k.

User Joe Mike
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1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

c = 5

k = 3

Explanation:

We have the expression:
(3+√c) (2√c - 3) = 1 + k √c

Expanding the LHS using the FOIL method =>
(3 + √c) (2√c -3)

= (3)(2√c) + 3(-3) + (√c)(2√c) -√c(3)

= 6√c -9 + 2(√c)² -3√c

= 3√c + 2c - 9 [(√c)² = c]

Setting this equal to the RHS of 1 + k√c gives us

3√c + 2c - 9 = 1 + k √c

Since c and k are prime numbers, √c is irrational.

Therefore we match the irrational terms to get
3√c = k√c

=> k = 3 [divide both sides by √c]

Substitute k = 3 into 3√c + 2c - 9 = 1 + k √c

=> 3√c + 2c - 9 = 1 + 3√c

Add 9 to both sides
=> 3√c + 2c - 9 + 9 = 1 + 9 + 3√c

=> 3√c + 2c - 0 = 10 + 3√c

Subtract 3√c from both sides to eliminate this term on both sides
=> 3√c - 3√c + 2c - 0 = 10 + 3√c 3√c

=> 0 + 2c = 10 + 0

=> 2c = 10

Dividing by 2 on both sides gives us
c = 5

Answer: c = 5, k = 3

User Fatih Ersoy
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