Simplify $\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}{\dfrac{3}{\sqrt{5}}}$.
A$\dfrac{3}{\sqrt{10}}$
B$\dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3\sqrt{2}}$
C$\dfrac{\sqrt{10}}{3}$
D$\dfrac{3\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{5}}$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. $\dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3\sqrt{2}}$
To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal:
$\dfrac{1/\sqrt{2}}{3/\sqrt{5}} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \cdot \dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3} = \dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3\sqrt{2}}$.
This is equivalent to $\dfrac{\sqrt{10}}{6}$ after rationalising the denominator: $\dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3\sqrt{2}} \cdot \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = \dfrac{\sqrt{10}}{6}$. But option B as given is the direct simplification.
- Trap D reverses numerator/denominator after taking the reciprocal.
- Traps A and C apply incorrect simplification steps.
The load-bearing principle: dividing by a fraction $=$ multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of $\dfrac{3}{\sqrt{5}}$ is $\dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3}$, not $\dfrac{\sqrt{5}}{3}$ inverted again.
Related questions
GMAT DS questions should be paced at:The sum of 5 consecutive integers is always divisible by:If x² = 36, what can we conclude about x?A GMAT PS question asks: 'What is x if 3x + 5 = 23?' Options: 4, 5, 6, 7. The fastest apprOn a percentage question with abstract values, the recommended smart-number to assume is:Is 1,287 divisible by 3?In a GMAT DS question, what is the FIRST step?In GMAT DS, answer choice (A) is selected when: