ACT Math · Number operations and exponents

Which expression is equivalent to 5√(3) with a rationalized denominator?

Which expression is equivalent to 53\dfrac{5}{\sqrt{3}} with a rationalized denominator?

Answer and explanation

Answer: F: 5√(3)3

To rationalize the denominator, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 3\sqrt3: 53⋅33=533⋅3=533\frac{5}{\sqrt3}\cdot\frac{\sqrt3}{\sqrt3}=\frac{5\sqrt3}{\sqrt3\cdot\sqrt3}=\frac{5\sqrt3}{3}, choice F. This works because 3⋅3=3\sqrt3\cdot\sqrt3=3, and multiplying by 33\frac{\sqrt3}{\sqrt3} is multiplying by 11, so the value does not change. Choice G (53\frac{5}{3}) drops the radical from the numerator. Choice H (535\sqrt3) multiplies only the numerator and never adjusts the denominator. Choice J (35\frac{\sqrt3}{5}) inverts the fraction. A decimal check: 51.732≈2.887\frac{5}{1.732}\approx2.887 and 5(1.732)3≈2.887\frac{5(1.732)}{3}\approx2.887. This keeps the value the same while removing the radical from the bottom.

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