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1.1 Proof by Contradiction

1.1 Proof by Contradiction

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Question 44

Two irrational quantities, α\alphaα and β\betaβ, have a rational sum and a rational product.

An engineer is trying to prove that α2+β2\alpha^2 + \beta^2α2+β2 is rational.

Here is the engineer's proof:

Step 1: α2+β2=(α+β)2\alpha^2 + \beta^2 = (\alpha + \beta)^2α2+β2=(α+β)2

Step 2: α+β\alpha + \betaα+β is rational, so (α+β)2(\alpha + \beta)^2(α+β)2 is rational.

Step 3: Therefore, α2+β2\alpha^2 + \beta^2α2+β2 is rational.

a.

(i) Identify the engineer's mistake.

(ii) Write down a correct version of the proof that α2+β2\alpha^2 + \beta^2α2+β2 is rational.

[3]
b.

Prove by contradiction that the product of any non-zero rational number and any irrational number is irrational.

[4]
Markscheme

1.1 Proof by Contradiction Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /1.1 Proof by Contradiction

107 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths 1.1 Proof by Contradiction. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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