Rationalization

Definition

Rationalization is the process of eliminating radicals from the denominator of a fraction by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by an appropriate expression. It helps simplify fractions and make them easier to work with.

Related terms

Radical Expression: An expression containing radicals (√) or fractional exponents.

Conjugate: In rationalizing denominators, multiplying an expression by its conjugate eliminates radicals because it results in a difference of squares.

Complex Conjugate: In complex numbers, multiplying a complex number by its conjugate results in real numbers only, helping simplify expressions involving imaginary numbers.