Is $\sqrt[3]{2 + \sqrt{5}} + \sqrt[3]{2 - \sqrt{5}}$ a rational number?

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  • Thread starter Euge
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    2015
In summary, the expression being evaluated is √3{2 + √5} + √3{2 - √5}. The expression is not a rational number, which is a number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers. To prove that the expression is not a rational number, we can use the Rational Root Theorem and show that the constant term is irrational. The expression can be simplified to 2 by using a polynomial identity and substituting values for the irrational terms.
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Euge
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Here's this week's problem!

________

Problem. Prove that $\sqrt[3]{2 + \sqrt{5}} + \sqrt[3]{2 - \sqrt{5}}$ is rational.
________Note. The cube roots involved are principal cube roots.
Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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No one answered this week's problem correctly. You can find my solution below.

The sum is not only rational, but in fact, it equals $1$. Let $A = \sqrt[3]{2 + \sqrt{5}}$ and $B = \sqrt[3]{2 - \sqrt{5}}$. If $t = A + B$, then

$$t^3 = A^3 + B^3 + 3AB(A + B) = (2 + \sqrt{5}) + (2 - \sqrt{5}) + 3\sqrt[3]{-1}t = 4 - 3t.$$

Thus, $t$ is a real root of the cubic polynomial $x^3 + 3x - 4$. This polynomial factors as $(x - 1)(x^2 + x + 4)$ and $x^2 + x + 4$ has no real root, so $x^3 + 3x - 4$ has unique real root $1$. Therefore, $t = 1$.
 

Related to Is $\sqrt[3]{2 + \sqrt{5}} + \sqrt[3]{2 - \sqrt{5}}$ a rational number?

What is the expression being evaluated?

The expression being evaluated is 3{2 + √5} + √3{2 - √5}.

Is the expression a rational number?

No, the expression is not a rational number.

What is a rational number?

A rational number is a number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers. In other words, it can be written in the form a/b, where a and b are integers and b is not equal to 0.

How can you prove that the expression is not a rational number?

To prove that the expression is not a rational number, we can use the Rational Root Theorem. This theorem states that if a polynomial with integer coefficients has a rational root, then that root must be a factor of the constant term. In this case, the constant term is 2 + √5 or 2 - √5, which are both irrational numbers. Therefore, the expression cannot be a rational number.

Can the expression be simplified?

Yes, the expression can be simplified to 2. This can be done by using the identity a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 - ab + b2) and substituting a = √3{2} and b = √3{2}. The resulting expression is then simplified to 2.

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