Four segments are drawn on squared paper where each square is 1 cm × 1 cm. Which segment has an irrational length?
Class 9Number SystemsNumber Systems
AEF
BAB
CCD
DGH
Step-by-Step Solution
Using Pythagoras: AB=32+42=5,CD=42+32=5,GH=4, but EF=22+32=13, which is irrational.
Answer: A) EF
Key idea: Working with irrationals
**Sum/difference of two irrationals can be rational.** Example: (1+2)+(1−2)=2. **Product of two irrationals can be rational.** Example: 2×2=2. **Sum of a rational and an irrational is always irrational.** 3+2 is irrational. **Product of a non-zero rational and an irrational is always irrational.** 5×2 is irrational.
These facts let you build new irrationals and prove things irrational by contradiction.
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