| Advanced Math |
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| Question : |
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What is 'Surd' ? |
Answer : |
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Surd is the root of a number which can only be found approximably. It can also be called a numerical expression containing
an irrational number. It is sometimes used as a synonym of irrational number. |
Suppose we wish to simplify sqrt(1/4) . We can write it as 1/2 .
On the other hand, some numbers
involving roots, such as sqrt(2), sqrt(3) cannot be expressed exactly in the form of a fraction. Any
number of the form  , which cannot be written as a fraction of two integers is called a surd. |
For example,  can be written as, |
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Applications : |
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Surds arise in a number of applications.
By using Pythagoras' theorem we find the length of the hypotenuse of the triangle.
Surds arise in the solution of quadratic equations. |
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