Prove that root 5 is an irrational number

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Question:- Prove that root 5 is an irrational number

Prove that root 5 is an irrational number

Solution:- Let us assume that on the contrary that √5 is a rational number. Then there exist positive integers ‘a’ and ‘ b’ such that

⇒  \sqrt{5}= \frac{a}{b}

Where a and b are coprime i.e. there HCF is 1

Squaring both side

⇒ (\sqrt{5})^2 = (\frac{a}{b})^2

⇒ 5 = \frac{a^2}{b^2}

\Rightarrow 5b^2 = a^2

a^2 is divisible by 5 then $a$ also divisible by 5 –(i)

Hence a = 5 c \Rightarrow a^2 = 25 c^2

\Rightarrow 5b^2=25 c^2

\Rightarrow b^2 = 5 c^2

b^2 is divisble 5 then b is also divisible by 5  —(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we obtain that 5 is a common factor of a and b. But this contradicts the fact that a and b have no common factor other than 1. This means that our assumption is wrong.

Hence, \sqrt{5} is an irrational number

Some other question:

Question:- Prove that 2 – √ 3 is irrational, given that √3 is irrational

Solution: See full solution

Question:- Prove that √p + √q is irrational, where p and q are primes

Solution:- See full solution

Question : Prove that √2  is an irrational number

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