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What happens to a fraction when its denominator is rationalised?
AThe numerator becomes rational
BThe whole fraction becomes zero
CThe denominator becomes rational
DThe fraction changes in value
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The denominator becomes rational
1. Rationalising works on a fraction that has a surd in its denominator.
2. It converts that fraction to one that has a rational denominator.
3. The fraction is multiplied by a value equal to one, so its value never changes.
4. The surd is moved into the numerator, which is the preferred way of writing the answer.
_Source: Siyavula Mathematics Grade 11 (Everything Maths, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 1: Exponents and surds_
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