[pank2002]

Hey I have a math turn in tomorrow and one problem is bugging me. I'm supposed to reduce the following without calculator (note: 2 is the answer, In other words, it's not an equation.)

Now my question is, how the heck I get from line one to line two. I've tried lots of things including 'convert' it to powers but didn't help.

If anybody can figure this one out please help me out here.

Thanks Rasmus.

BTW: the second line is found with my hp-49g which calculate exact rather than my Texas which use 'lossy' numbers

 

[Publius]

I won't solve it for you, but I will give you a hint:

(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2

 

[pank2002]

yeah, I know you could do it that way but I want to impress the sadistick person (my teacher) by not making it into an equation. If I did that, I'd have to write it equals x^2

 

[Publius]

You don't need to turn it into an equation, you just need to rewrite the terms so that it follows the form.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Publius I won't solve it for you, but I will give you a hint: (a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2

omg bad flashback to algebra. how did i ever get through that class.

 

[TrevorNetwork]

I really don't miss that stuff!

Although I did kick ass at maths back in the day.

 

[pank2002]

Publius,
I'll look at it...

Jahn,
I actually kinda enjoyed math until this year when I got a teacher who's a sadistic person!

edit:
Publius,
woldn't it be
(a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2? Or do we think diffrent

 

[RYCeT]

oh man, stop this thread, it's a nightmare

 

[pank2002]

I'd solve it this way, but I would rather _somehow_ reduce it to 1+sq(2)-(-1+sq(2)... I got a headact though.

 

[Publius]

3 + 2 sqrt(2) = 1 + 2 sqrt (2) + (sqrt(2))^2

 

[hongda]

Look up completing the square.

 

[pank2002]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Publius 3 + 2 sqrt(2) = 1 + 2 sqrt (2) + (sqrt(2))^2

Hey I got it! Thanks