# Prove that is sqrt3 irrational number. - Mathematics

Sum

Prove that is sqrt3 irrational number.

#### Solution 1

Let us assume, to contrary, that  is rational. That is, we can find integers a and b (≠0) such that sqrt2=a/b

Suppose a and b not having a common factor other than 1, then we can divide by the common factor, and assume that a and b are coprime.

So, bsqrt3= a

Squaring on both sides, and rearranging, we get 3b2 = a2.

Therefore, a2 is divisible by 3, and by Theorem, it follows that a is also divisible by 3.

So, we can write a = 3c for some integer c.

Substituting for a, we get 3b2 = 9c2, that is, b2 = 3c2.

This means that b2 is divisible by 3, and so b is also divisible by 3 (using Theorem with p = 3).

Therefore, a and b have at least 3 as a common factor.

But this contradicts the fact that a and b are coprime.

This contradicts the fact that a and b are coprime.

This contradiction has arisen because of our incorrect assumption that sqrt3 is rational.

So, we conclude that sqrt3 is irrational.

#### Solution 2

Let sqrt3 is rational

∴sqrt3 = "p"/"q" where p and q are co-prime integers and q ≠ 0.

⇒ sqrt3"q" = "p"

⇒ 3q2 = p2..........(1)

⇒ 3 divides p

⇒ 3 divides p   .....(A)

Let p = 3c where c is an integer

⇒  p = 9c2
⇒ 3q2 = 9c2   [from (1)]
⇒ q2 = 3c2
⇒ 3 divides q2
⇒ 3 divides q   .....(B)

From statements (A) and (B), 3 divides p and q both that means p and q are not co-prime which contradicts our assumption.
So, our assumption is wrong.
Hence sqrt3 is irrational.

Concept: Proofs of Irrationality
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