Bytelearn - cat image with glassesAI tutor

Welcome to Bytelearn!

Let’s check out your problem:

The number yy is irrational. Which statement about y38y - \sqrt{38} is true?\newlineChoices:\newline(A) y38y - \sqrt{38} is rational.\newline(B) y38y - \sqrt{38} is irrational.\newline(C) y38y - \sqrt{38} can be rational or irrational, depending on the value of yy.

Full solution

Q. The number yy is irrational. Which statement about y38y - \sqrt{38} is true?\newlineChoices:\newline(A) y38y - \sqrt{38} is rational.\newline(B) y38y - \sqrt{38} is irrational.\newline(C) y38y - \sqrt{38} can be rational or irrational, depending on the value of yy.
  1. Identify Type of Number: Identify whether 38\sqrt{38} is a rational or irrational number.3838 is a non-perfect square.38\sqrt{38} is an irrational number.
  2. Properties of Irrational Numbers: Consider the properties of irrational numbers. The difference between two irrational numbers can be rational or irrational.
  3. Specific Case Analysis: Analyze the specific case where y=38y = \sqrt{38}. If y=38y = \sqrt{38}, then y38=3838=0y - \sqrt{38} = \sqrt{38} - \sqrt{38} = 0, which is a rational number.
  4. Analysis of Different Cases: Analyze the specific case where yy is any irrational number not equal to 38\sqrt{38}. If yy is not equal to 38\sqrt{38}, then y38y - \sqrt{38} is the difference of two distinct irrational numbers, which is generally irrational.
  5. Conclusion: Conclude that y38y - \sqrt{38} can be rational or irrational, depending on the value of yy. If yy is chosen specifically to be 38\sqrt{38}, the result is rational. Otherwise, it is typically irrational.

More problems from Properties of operations on rational and irrational numbers