Rational & Irrational Number For a - b

Discussion in 'Algebra' started by nycmathguy, Aug 23, 2021.

  1. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    Set 1.1

    Give an example of irrational numbers a
    and b such that the indicated expression is (a) rational and (b) irrational.

    Note: The above instructions are given for problems 56, 57, and 58. David Cohen did not include a subtraction problem for this set of instructions.

    I made up the problem a - b.

    Let me guess. I must subtract b from a to yield a rational number and also an irrational number.

    Yes?
     
    nycmathguy, Aug 23, 2021
    #1
  2. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    Let z be any irrational number.
    let a = 1+z and b = 1-z.
    a+b = 1 + z + 1 - z = 2 (rational)
     
    MathLover1, Aug 23, 2021
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    nycmathguy likes this.
  3. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    I now have to do the same to show that a - b is irrational. Yes?

    Can you check my thread zero^(zero) posted on July 20 here?
     
    nycmathguy, Aug 23, 2021
    #3
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