Show that 5 – V7 is an algebraic number.

Calculus: Early Transcendentals
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Author:James Stewart
Publisher:James Stewart
Chapter1: Functions And Models
Section: Chapter Questions
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**Problem Statement:**

Show that \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \) is an algebraic number.

**Explanation:**

In mathematics, an algebraic number is a number that is a root of a non-zero polynomial equation with integer (or equivalently, rational) coefficients. To show that \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \) is algebraic, we need to find a polynomial with integer coefficients that has \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \) as a root.

To solve this problem, consider letting \( x = \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \). Then:

1. Express \( \sqrt{5} \) in terms of \( x \):
   \[
   \sqrt{5} = x + \sqrt{7}
   \]

2. Square both sides:
   \[
   (\sqrt{5})^2 = (x + \sqrt{7})^2
   \]
   \[
   5 = x^2 + 2x\sqrt{7} + 7
   \]

3. Simplify the equation:
   \[
   5 = x^2 + 2x\sqrt{7} + 7
   \]
   \[
   -2 = x^2 + 2x\sqrt{7}
   \]
   \[
   \frac{-2}{2x} = \sqrt{7}
   \]
   \[
   \sqrt{7} = -\frac{1}{x}
   \]

4. Substitute back in terms of \( \sqrt{7} \):
   \[
   x + \sqrt{7} = \sqrt{5}
   \]
   \[
   x - \frac{1}{x} = \sqrt{5}
   \]

5. Rearrange and square again:
   \[
   x^2 - 2 = 5
   \]
   \[
   x^2 = 7
   \]

Thus, \( (x^2 - 2)^2 = 7 \), is a polynomial equation that can be used to demonstrate algebraicity, fulfilling the requirements that algebraic numbers must satisfy a polynomial with integer coefficients.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** Show that \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \) is an algebraic number. **Explanation:** In mathematics, an algebraic number is a number that is a root of a non-zero polynomial equation with integer (or equivalently, rational) coefficients. To show that \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \) is algebraic, we need to find a polynomial with integer coefficients that has \( \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \) as a root. To solve this problem, consider letting \( x = \sqrt{5} - \sqrt{7} \). Then: 1. Express \( \sqrt{5} \) in terms of \( x \): \[ \sqrt{5} = x + \sqrt{7} \] 2. Square both sides: \[ (\sqrt{5})^2 = (x + \sqrt{7})^2 \] \[ 5 = x^2 + 2x\sqrt{7} + 7 \] 3. Simplify the equation: \[ 5 = x^2 + 2x\sqrt{7} + 7 \] \[ -2 = x^2 + 2x\sqrt{7} \] \[ \frac{-2}{2x} = \sqrt{7} \] \[ \sqrt{7} = -\frac{1}{x} \] 4. Substitute back in terms of \( \sqrt{7} \): \[ x + \sqrt{7} = \sqrt{5} \] \[ x - \frac{1}{x} = \sqrt{5} \] 5. Rearrange and square again: \[ x^2 - 2 = 5 \] \[ x^2 = 7 \] Thus, \( (x^2 - 2)^2 = 7 \), is a polynomial equation that can be used to demonstrate algebraicity, fulfilling the requirements that algebraic numbers must satisfy a polynomial with integer coefficients.
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