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1.2.2 Surds

Why is 10\sqrt{10}10​ a surd but 16\sqrt{16}16​ is not?

A

The root-index equivalences are an=\sqrt[n]{a}=na​= a1na^{\frac{1}{n}}an1​ and amn=\sqrt[n]{a^m}=nam​= amn\boxed{a^{\frac{m}{n}}}anm​​.

B

10\sqrt{10}10​ is irrational, while 16=4\sqrt{16}=416​=4 is rational.

C

x3\sqrt{x^3}x3​ or (x)3(\sqrt{x})^3(x​)3.

D

The numerator gives the power.

1.2.2 Surds Flashcards

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /1.2.2 Surds

Flashcards for OCR A Level Maths 1.2.2 Surds, covering the key formulae, methods and definitions you need to recall for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. 25 cards, matched to the OCR A Level Maths (H240) specification. Recall questions account for roughly 50% of marks at A Level Maths, so these target the marks you can secure before the paper starts.