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In the proof that is irrational we reach and then argue "since 5 divides , 5 divides ". Which result justifies that step?

Class 10Real NumbersNumber Systems
  • AThe Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
  • BEuclid's Division Lemma
  • CThe theorem on terminating decimals
  • DThe fact that every square number is even

Step-by-Step Solution

The step is the standard corollary of unique prime factorisation: if a PRIME divides then it divides a, because the primes of are exactly the primes of with doubled powers. Euclid's lemma only concerns quotients and remainders, and "every square is even" is plainly false (9 is odd).
Answer: A) The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic

Key idea: Sum/product of rational and irrational

**Useful results**:

1. The sum or difference of a rational and an irrational is IRRATIONAL.
Proof: if (rational + irrational) = rational, then irrational = rational − rational = rational. Contradiction.

2. The product of a NON-ZERO rational and an irrational is IRRATIONAL.

3. The sum/product of two irrationals can be RATIONAL or IRRATIONAL.
Example: (irrational); (rational).
Example: (rational); (irrational).

These are the rules you cite when proving expressions like ' is irrational'.

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