Question 2
Prove that is an irrational number.
- We prove that is irrational using the method of contradiction.
- We start by assuming the opposite: that is a rational number, meaning it can be written as , where and are co-prime integers (having no common factor other than ) and .
- If we can show that both and share a common factor of , it contradicts our assumption of co-primality, proving that must be irrational.
Step 1 · Assume is Rational
Let us assume, to the contrary, that is rational.
Therefore, there exist co-prime integers and (where ) such that:
Rearranging the terms:
Step 2 · Square Both Sides and Show Divides
Squaring both sides:
This shows that divides .
By theorem, if a prime number divides , then divides .
Step 3 · Substitute and Show Divides
Since divides , we can write for some integer .
Substituting into equation :
This shows that divides .
Step 4 · Reach Contradiction
From Steps 2 and 3, is a common factor of both and .
This contradicts the fact that and are co-prime (having no common factor other than ).
This contradiction arises because of our incorrect assumption that is rational.
Therefore, is irrational.
Hence, is an irrational number.
- Forgetting the Co-prime Assumption: Failing to state that and are co-prime leaves the contradiction without mathematical justification.
- Skipping the Divisibility Theorem: Stating that from without referencing that is prime (since the property holds specifically for prime numbers).
- Algebraic Error in Squaring: Forgetting to square when expanding , incorrectly writing instead of .
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