Exam-style question
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When rationalising a denominator, which final check confirms the surd manipulation is complete?.
- A.B2: check notation, restrictions and final form
- B.Use any familiar GCSE calculation even if it ignores Use and manipulate surds
- C.Write only the final answer without showing the mathematical method
- D.Change the notation or restrictions to make the algebra look simpler
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The correct answer is B2: check notation, restrictions and final form.
- It is correct because rationalising should remove the surd from the denominator while leaving an equivalent exact expression.
This answer is tied to the objective: B2 Use and manipulate surds, including rationalising the denominator..
Explanation
Why this works
Use the explanation to connect the worked answer back to B2 Use and manipulate surds, including rationalising the denominator..
The correct option, B2: check notation, restrictions and final form, is best because rationalising should remove the surd from the denominator while leaving an equivalent exact expression. This B2 item checks that the final answer remains equal to the original fraction and that surd notation has been handled correctly.
Maths method check
- Topic focus: Pure Mathematics.
- Question style: practice.
- Reasoning demand: application.
- Check the operation, notation, units, and final answer form against the question before moving on.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.