2015-16 “Preparing for the ACT Test” PDF, problem 48:
4/√2 + 2/√3 = ?
The answer is stated to be (4/√3 + 2/√2)/√6. How is this answer obtained?
3.98. That’s what you get if you use a calculator. Then see which answer gives you the same result.
Or you can do real Math (i.e., common denominator stuff).
@mmk2015 I really need to start using the calculator more. Shame I hadn’t thought of that lol
Edit: …aaand the actual work behind the answer just clicked with me.
You need a common denominator. Multiply the numerator and denominator of the first term by the denominator of the 2nd term and then multiply the numerator and denominator of the 2nd term by the denominator of the first term. Finally, add the two terms.
This is a basic skill that you need to understand well for this test. The approach outlined above should be quicker than using a calculator.
@CHD2013 As I mentioned in my previous comment I ended up figuring it out, thanks for the heads up though. It is a concept that I am familiar with, I just sort of had a brain fart. Multiply first fraction by root 3 and second fraction by root 2.