Can You Simplify This Complex Square Root Expression?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
In summary, the purpose of POTW #367 is to challenge individuals to simplify square roots without a calculator. It is important to be able to do this because it allows for a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and can be useful in real-life situations. The general process for simplifying square roots involves finding perfect square factors and combining them into a simplified form. Some tips for simplifying square roots without a calculator include finding perfect square factors, using the distributive property, and converting square roots into fractional exponents. There is no specific method that must be used to solve POTW #367, as long as the final answer is simplified and accurate.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Without using a calculator, simplify \(\displaystyle \frac{\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{2499}\sqrt{10+{\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}}}}{\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{2499}\sqrt{10-{\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}}}}\).-----

Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi to all MHB
members!

Despite of the fact that last week's High School's POTW
is more difficult than usual, I am going to give members another week to attempt at a solution!(Smile)
 
  • #3
No one answered last two week's problem,(Sadface) but you can find the suggested solution as below.
Let the numerator and the denominator be $A$ and $B$ respectively.

Letting $a_k=\sqrt{10+\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}}$ and $b_k=\sqrt{10-\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}}$, we can represent $A$ and $B$ as
\(\displaystyle A=\sum_{1}^{2499}a_k\\B=\sum_{1}^{2499}b_k\),

Letting $p_k=\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}$ and $q_k=\sqrt{50-\sqrt{k}}$, since $p_k^2+q_k^2=10^2$ and $p_k>0$ and $q_k>0$, there exists a real number $0<x_k<\dfrac{\pi}{2}$ such that

$p_k=10\cos x_k\\q_k=10\sin x_k$

Then, we get
$a_k=\sqrt{10+10cosx_k}=\sqrt{10+10\left(2\cos^2\dfrac{x_k}{2}-1\right)}=\sqrt{20}\cos\dfrac{x_k}{2}$

$b_k=\sqrt{10-10cosx_k}=\sqrt{10-10\left(1-2\sin^2\dfrac{x_k}{2}\right)}=\sqrt{20}\sin\dfrac{x_k}{2}$

\(\displaystyle
\begin{align}a_{2500-k}&=\sqrt{10+\sqrt{50+\sqrt{(50+\sqrt k)(50-\sqrt k)}}}\\&=\sqrt{10+\sqrt{50+{p_kq_k}}}\\&=\sqrt{10+\sqrt{50+100\cos {x_k}\sin {x_k}}}\\&=\sqrt{10+\sqrt{50(\cos {x_k}+\sin {x_k})^2}}\\&=\sqrt{10+\sqrt{50}\cdot\sqrt2\sin \left(x_k+\frac{\pi}{4}\right)}\\&=\sqrt{10+10\cdot2\cos \left(\frac{x_k}{2}+\frac{\pi}{8}\right)\sin \left(\frac{x_k}{2}+\frac{\pi}{8}\right)}\\&=\sqrt{10\left(\cos \left(\frac{x_k}{2}+\frac{\pi}{8}\right)+\sin \left(\frac{x_k}{2}+\frac{\pi}{8}\right)\right)^2}\\&=\sqrt{10}\left(\cos \left(\frac{x_k}{2}+\frac{\pi}{8}\right)+\sin \left(\frac{x_k}{2}+\frac{\pi}{8}\right)\right)\\&=\frac{\left(\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{8}\right)+\sin \left(\frac{\pi}{8}\right)\right)a_k+\left(\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{8}\right)-\sin \left(\frac{\pi}{8}\right)\right)b_k}{\sqrt2}\\&=\sqrt{\frac{\sqrt2+1}{2\sqrt2}}a_k+\sqrt{\frac{\sqrt2-1}{2\sqrt2}}b_k\end{align}\)

Hence,
$A=\sqrt{\dfrac{\sqrt2+1}{2\sqrt2}}A+\sqrt{\dfrac{\sqrt2-1}{2\sqrt2}}B$

$\dfrac{A}{B}=1+\sqrt{2}+\sqrt{4+2\sqrt{2}}$

or

\(\displaystyle \frac{\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{2499}\sqrt{10+{\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}}}}{\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{2499}\sqrt{10-{\sqrt{50+\sqrt{k}}}}}=1+\sqrt{2}+\sqrt{4+2\sqrt{2}}\)
 

FAQ: Can You Simplify This Complex Square Root Expression?

What is the POTW #367 about?

The POTW #367 is about simplifying the sum of square roots without using a calculator. It was posted on May 22, 2019.

Why is it important to be able to simplify square roots without a calculator?

Being able to simplify square roots without a calculator allows for faster and more efficient problem solving. It also helps in understanding and manipulating mathematical expressions.

What are the steps to simplify the sum of square roots?

The steps to simplify the sum of square roots are:
1. Identify any perfect square factors in the square roots
2. Simplify the perfect square factors
3. Combine like terms (if any)
4. Simplify the resulting expression if possible.

Can you provide an example of simplifying the sum of square roots?

Yes, for example, the sum of √12 + √27 can be simplified as follows:
√12 + √27 = √(4x3) + √(9x3) = 2√3 + 3√3 = 5√3.

What are some tips for simplifying square roots without a calculator?

Some tips for simplifying square roots without a calculator are:
1. Memorize the perfect squares up to 25
2. Look for common factors in the square roots
3. Break down larger numbers into their prime factors
4. Practice regularly to improve mental math skills.

Back
Top