A structural engineer calculates that the side length, sss decimetres, of a square support column must satisfy the equation s2=13s^2 = 13s2=13 to meet safety specifications.
Use proof by contradiction to prove that sss is an irrational number.
(You may assume that for any integer nnn, if n2n^2n2 is a multiple of 13, then nnn is a multiple of 13).
Practise Edexcel A Level Maths Algebraic Methods with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 261 questions covering 7.1 Algebraic Fractions, 7.2 Dividing Polynomials, 7.3 The Factor Theorem, 7.4 Mathematical Proof, and 7.5 Methods of Proof, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
