Proof that if $sqrt {ab}$ is rational then $sqrt {frac{a}{b}}$ is also rational.












2












$begingroup$


I can reduce it using the fact that square root of a number is rational if it is a square number.
Now it would be something like :
If $ab=k^2$ for some $k$ in $N$ then show that $frac{a}{b}=m^2$ for some $m$ in $N$



Where $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$



$N$ is the set of natural numbers.



I have tried prime factorisation also
But do not know how to proceed.





CLAIM





If $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$ and if $sqrt ab$ is integer then prove that $sqrt frac{max(a,b)}{min(a,b)}$ is also an integer.
Where $N$ is the set of natural numbers.










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 5




    $begingroup$
    What are $a,b$? If you just mean real numbers then it is false...try $a=pi, b=frac 1{pi}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:35






  • 7




    $begingroup$
    If you meant natural numbers then just note that $frac ab=frac {ab}{b^2}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:36






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Nobody asked that it be a natural number. That is clearly not always the case...if $a=1,b=4$ then $sqrt {ab}=2$ but $sqrt frac ab=frac 12$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:52






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Please try a few examples before making claims like that.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:54






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Please try many examples. Really. Also, as I have pointed out, as stated the claim is false.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:56
















2












$begingroup$


I can reduce it using the fact that square root of a number is rational if it is a square number.
Now it would be something like :
If $ab=k^2$ for some $k$ in $N$ then show that $frac{a}{b}=m^2$ for some $m$ in $N$



Where $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$



$N$ is the set of natural numbers.



I have tried prime factorisation also
But do not know how to proceed.





CLAIM





If $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$ and if $sqrt ab$ is integer then prove that $sqrt frac{max(a,b)}{min(a,b)}$ is also an integer.
Where $N$ is the set of natural numbers.










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 5




    $begingroup$
    What are $a,b$? If you just mean real numbers then it is false...try $a=pi, b=frac 1{pi}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:35






  • 7




    $begingroup$
    If you meant natural numbers then just note that $frac ab=frac {ab}{b^2}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:36






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Nobody asked that it be a natural number. That is clearly not always the case...if $a=1,b=4$ then $sqrt {ab}=2$ but $sqrt frac ab=frac 12$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:52






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Please try a few examples before making claims like that.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:54






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Please try many examples. Really. Also, as I have pointed out, as stated the claim is false.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:56














2












2








2





$begingroup$


I can reduce it using the fact that square root of a number is rational if it is a square number.
Now it would be something like :
If $ab=k^2$ for some $k$ in $N$ then show that $frac{a}{b}=m^2$ for some $m$ in $N$



Where $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$



$N$ is the set of natural numbers.



I have tried prime factorisation also
But do not know how to proceed.





CLAIM





If $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$ and if $sqrt ab$ is integer then prove that $sqrt frac{max(a,b)}{min(a,b)}$ is also an integer.
Where $N$ is the set of natural numbers.










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$




I can reduce it using the fact that square root of a number is rational if it is a square number.
Now it would be something like :
If $ab=k^2$ for some $k$ in $N$ then show that $frac{a}{b}=m^2$ for some $m$ in $N$



Where $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$



$N$ is the set of natural numbers.



I have tried prime factorisation also
But do not know how to proceed.





CLAIM





If $a$,$b$ belongs to $N$ and if $sqrt ab$ is integer then prove that $sqrt frac{max(a,b)}{min(a,b)}$ is also an integer.
Where $N$ is the set of natural numbers.







algebra-precalculus elementary-number-theory proof-verification proof-writing






share|cite|improve this question















share|cite|improve this question













share|cite|improve this question




share|cite|improve this question








edited Dec 31 '18 at 6:23







M Desmond

















asked Dec 29 '18 at 13:31









M DesmondM Desmond

3228




3228








  • 5




    $begingroup$
    What are $a,b$? If you just mean real numbers then it is false...try $a=pi, b=frac 1{pi}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:35






  • 7




    $begingroup$
    If you meant natural numbers then just note that $frac ab=frac {ab}{b^2}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:36






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Nobody asked that it be a natural number. That is clearly not always the case...if $a=1,b=4$ then $sqrt {ab}=2$ but $sqrt frac ab=frac 12$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:52






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Please try a few examples before making claims like that.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:54






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Please try many examples. Really. Also, as I have pointed out, as stated the claim is false.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:56














  • 5




    $begingroup$
    What are $a,b$? If you just mean real numbers then it is false...try $a=pi, b=frac 1{pi}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:35






  • 7




    $begingroup$
    If you meant natural numbers then just note that $frac ab=frac {ab}{b^2}$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:36






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Nobody asked that it be a natural number. That is clearly not always the case...if $a=1,b=4$ then $sqrt {ab}=2$ but $sqrt frac ab=frac 12$.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:52






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Please try a few examples before making claims like that.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:54






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Please try many examples. Really. Also, as I have pointed out, as stated the claim is false.
    $endgroup$
    – lulu
    Dec 29 '18 at 13:56








5




5




$begingroup$
What are $a,b$? If you just mean real numbers then it is false...try $a=pi, b=frac 1{pi}$.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:35




$begingroup$
What are $a,b$? If you just mean real numbers then it is false...try $a=pi, b=frac 1{pi}$.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:35




7




7




$begingroup$
If you meant natural numbers then just note that $frac ab=frac {ab}{b^2}$.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:36




$begingroup$
If you meant natural numbers then just note that $frac ab=frac {ab}{b^2}$.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:36




1




1




$begingroup$
Nobody asked that it be a natural number. That is clearly not always the case...if $a=1,b=4$ then $sqrt {ab}=2$ but $sqrt frac ab=frac 12$.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:52




$begingroup$
Nobody asked that it be a natural number. That is clearly not always the case...if $a=1,b=4$ then $sqrt {ab}=2$ but $sqrt frac ab=frac 12$.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:52




1




1




$begingroup$
Please try a few examples before making claims like that.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:54




$begingroup$
Please try a few examples before making claims like that.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:54




2




2




$begingroup$
Please try many examples. Really. Also, as I have pointed out, as stated the claim is false.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:56




$begingroup$
Please try many examples. Really. Also, as I have pointed out, as stated the claim is false.
$endgroup$
– lulu
Dec 29 '18 at 13:56










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















-1












$begingroup$

Hint $ $ Employ $,bsqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}.,$ This is a special case of a general method. Let's view it that way.



Observe that $, overbrace{bx^2 = a}^{large x = sqrt{a/b}}!!!!overset{large times b}iff! overbrace{(bx)^2 = ab}^{large, bx = sqrt{ab}} $ for $,bneq 0$



We scaled the LHS by $b$ to get $,X^2 = ab, X := bx,$ which is now monic (lead coeff $=1).,$ This is a special case of the monicization method used in the AC method for factoring non-monic quadratics.



The same method also works for higher-degree polynomials (as I explain in the linked post), which leads to higher-degree generalizations of the above identity for square-roots.



Generally the method shows that any algebraic number can be written as $,alpha = beta/n,$ where $,ninBbb Z,$ and $,beta,$ is an algebraic integer (i.e. a root of a monic $f(x)inBbb Z[x]),$ e.g. above $,sqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}/b,,$ where $,sqrt{ab},$ is a root of the monic $,x^2!-ab,$ so is an algebraic integer.



In higher-degree cases such equations are generally less obvious, so it is worth being aware of the general viewpoint (even though it is a bit overkill for this particular case).






share|cite|improve this answer











$endgroup$





















    3












    $begingroup$

    This hint will help you not only prove something you want to, but also state more clearly what you meant.



    If $a,,b$ are rational with $bne 0$ then $sqrt{frac{a}{b}}=frac{sqrt{ab}}{b}$ is the ratio of two rationals, the denominator non-zero. Any such ratio is rational (proof is an exercise).






    share|cite|improve this answer









    $endgroup$













    • $begingroup$
      Please see my claim !
      $endgroup$
      – M Desmond
      Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










    • $begingroup$
      @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
      $endgroup$
      – J.G.
      Dec 31 '18 at 8:33



















    2












    $begingroup$

    Your claim works if and only if $b$ is rational.



    Note that



    $frac{sqrt{ab}}{sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}}=b$



    If numerator is rational then denominator is rational too.




    Counterexample for the case when $b$ is irrational take
    $a=2sqrt{2}$ and $b=sqrt{2}$




    Here $sqrt{ab}=2$ however $sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}=sqrt{2}$






    share|cite|improve this answer









    $endgroup$













    • $begingroup$
      Please see my claim
      $endgroup$
      – M Desmond
      Dec 31 '18 at 6:22



















    2












    $begingroup$

    First, point out that your statement doesn’t hold for $a,b,k,m in mathbb{N}$.



    Take for example $(a,b) = (2,18)$. Then $k = sqrt{ab} = 6 in mathbb{N}$, but $m = sqrt{frac{a}{b}} = frac{1}{3} notin mathbb{N}$.



    But the following statement does hold:




    If $ab = k^2$ with $a,b,k in mathbb{Q}$, then $frac{a}{b} = m^2$ for some $m in mathbb{Q}$, where $mathbb{Q}$ is the set of rational numbers.




    Proof: If $ab = k^2$, then $frac{a}{b} = frac{ab}{b^2} = frac{k^2}{b^2} = (frac{k}{b})^2$, so $m = frac{k}{b}$ is rational, as desired.






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$













    • $begingroup$
      Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
      $endgroup$
      – M Desmond
      Dec 31 '18 at 6:10










    • $begingroup$
      Please see my claim !
      $endgroup$
      – M Desmond
      Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










    • $begingroup$
      Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
      $endgroup$
      – Jonas De Schouwer
      Dec 31 '18 at 19:38



















    1












    $begingroup$

    An "easy" algebraic proof:



    if (assuming that $a$ and $b$ are rational numbers) $sqrt {ab}={frac{x}{y}}$, then $ab$ is a perfect "square fraction" i.e. $ab=frac{x^2}{y^2}$. then $a=frac{x^2}{by^2}$, and $sqrt frac{a}{b} = sqrt{frac{x^2}{b^2y^2}}=frac{x}{by}=frac{n}{m}$.






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$













    • $begingroup$
      Please see my claim
      $endgroup$
      – M Desmond
      Dec 31 '18 at 6:21












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    5 Answers
    5






    active

    oldest

    votes








    5 Answers
    5






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    -1












    $begingroup$

    Hint $ $ Employ $,bsqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}.,$ This is a special case of a general method. Let's view it that way.



    Observe that $, overbrace{bx^2 = a}^{large x = sqrt{a/b}}!!!!overset{large times b}iff! overbrace{(bx)^2 = ab}^{large, bx = sqrt{ab}} $ for $,bneq 0$



    We scaled the LHS by $b$ to get $,X^2 = ab, X := bx,$ which is now monic (lead coeff $=1).,$ This is a special case of the monicization method used in the AC method for factoring non-monic quadratics.



    The same method also works for higher-degree polynomials (as I explain in the linked post), which leads to higher-degree generalizations of the above identity for square-roots.



    Generally the method shows that any algebraic number can be written as $,alpha = beta/n,$ where $,ninBbb Z,$ and $,beta,$ is an algebraic integer (i.e. a root of a monic $f(x)inBbb Z[x]),$ e.g. above $,sqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}/b,,$ where $,sqrt{ab},$ is a root of the monic $,x^2!-ab,$ so is an algebraic integer.



    In higher-degree cases such equations are generally less obvious, so it is worth being aware of the general viewpoint (even though it is a bit overkill for this particular case).






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$


















      -1












      $begingroup$

      Hint $ $ Employ $,bsqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}.,$ This is a special case of a general method. Let's view it that way.



      Observe that $, overbrace{bx^2 = a}^{large x = sqrt{a/b}}!!!!overset{large times b}iff! overbrace{(bx)^2 = ab}^{large, bx = sqrt{ab}} $ for $,bneq 0$



      We scaled the LHS by $b$ to get $,X^2 = ab, X := bx,$ which is now monic (lead coeff $=1).,$ This is a special case of the monicization method used in the AC method for factoring non-monic quadratics.



      The same method also works for higher-degree polynomials (as I explain in the linked post), which leads to higher-degree generalizations of the above identity for square-roots.



      Generally the method shows that any algebraic number can be written as $,alpha = beta/n,$ where $,ninBbb Z,$ and $,beta,$ is an algebraic integer (i.e. a root of a monic $f(x)inBbb Z[x]),$ e.g. above $,sqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}/b,,$ where $,sqrt{ab},$ is a root of the monic $,x^2!-ab,$ so is an algebraic integer.



      In higher-degree cases such equations are generally less obvious, so it is worth being aware of the general viewpoint (even though it is a bit overkill for this particular case).






      share|cite|improve this answer











      $endgroup$
















        -1












        -1








        -1





        $begingroup$

        Hint $ $ Employ $,bsqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}.,$ This is a special case of a general method. Let's view it that way.



        Observe that $, overbrace{bx^2 = a}^{large x = sqrt{a/b}}!!!!overset{large times b}iff! overbrace{(bx)^2 = ab}^{large, bx = sqrt{ab}} $ for $,bneq 0$



        We scaled the LHS by $b$ to get $,X^2 = ab, X := bx,$ which is now monic (lead coeff $=1).,$ This is a special case of the monicization method used in the AC method for factoring non-monic quadratics.



        The same method also works for higher-degree polynomials (as I explain in the linked post), which leads to higher-degree generalizations of the above identity for square-roots.



        Generally the method shows that any algebraic number can be written as $,alpha = beta/n,$ where $,ninBbb Z,$ and $,beta,$ is an algebraic integer (i.e. a root of a monic $f(x)inBbb Z[x]),$ e.g. above $,sqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}/b,,$ where $,sqrt{ab},$ is a root of the monic $,x^2!-ab,$ so is an algebraic integer.



        In higher-degree cases such equations are generally less obvious, so it is worth being aware of the general viewpoint (even though it is a bit overkill for this particular case).






        share|cite|improve this answer











        $endgroup$



        Hint $ $ Employ $,bsqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}.,$ This is a special case of a general method. Let's view it that way.



        Observe that $, overbrace{bx^2 = a}^{large x = sqrt{a/b}}!!!!overset{large times b}iff! overbrace{(bx)^2 = ab}^{large, bx = sqrt{ab}} $ for $,bneq 0$



        We scaled the LHS by $b$ to get $,X^2 = ab, X := bx,$ which is now monic (lead coeff $=1).,$ This is a special case of the monicization method used in the AC method for factoring non-monic quadratics.



        The same method also works for higher-degree polynomials (as I explain in the linked post), which leads to higher-degree generalizations of the above identity for square-roots.



        Generally the method shows that any algebraic number can be written as $,alpha = beta/n,$ where $,ninBbb Z,$ and $,beta,$ is an algebraic integer (i.e. a root of a monic $f(x)inBbb Z[x]),$ e.g. above $,sqrt{a/b} = sqrt{ab}/b,,$ where $,sqrt{ab},$ is a root of the monic $,x^2!-ab,$ so is an algebraic integer.



        In higher-degree cases such equations are generally less obvious, so it is worth being aware of the general viewpoint (even though it is a bit overkill for this particular case).







        share|cite|improve this answer














        share|cite|improve this answer



        share|cite|improve this answer








        edited Jan 17 at 15:51

























        answered Dec 29 '18 at 14:32









        Bill DubuqueBill Dubuque

        214k29197659




        214k29197659























            3












            $begingroup$

            This hint will help you not only prove something you want to, but also state more clearly what you meant.



            If $a,,b$ are rational with $bne 0$ then $sqrt{frac{a}{b}}=frac{sqrt{ab}}{b}$ is the ratio of two rationals, the denominator non-zero. Any such ratio is rational (proof is an exercise).






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
              $endgroup$
              – J.G.
              Dec 31 '18 at 8:33
















            3












            $begingroup$

            This hint will help you not only prove something you want to, but also state more clearly what you meant.



            If $a,,b$ are rational with $bne 0$ then $sqrt{frac{a}{b}}=frac{sqrt{ab}}{b}$ is the ratio of two rationals, the denominator non-zero. Any such ratio is rational (proof is an exercise).






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
              $endgroup$
              – J.G.
              Dec 31 '18 at 8:33














            3












            3








            3





            $begingroup$

            This hint will help you not only prove something you want to, but also state more clearly what you meant.



            If $a,,b$ are rational with $bne 0$ then $sqrt{frac{a}{b}}=frac{sqrt{ab}}{b}$ is the ratio of two rationals, the denominator non-zero. Any such ratio is rational (proof is an exercise).






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            This hint will help you not only prove something you want to, but also state more clearly what you meant.



            If $a,,b$ are rational with $bne 0$ then $sqrt{frac{a}{b}}=frac{sqrt{ab}}{b}$ is the ratio of two rationals, the denominator non-zero. Any such ratio is rational (proof is an exercise).







            share|cite|improve this answer












            share|cite|improve this answer



            share|cite|improve this answer










            answered Dec 29 '18 at 13:58









            J.G.J.G.

            33.5k23252




            33.5k23252












            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
              $endgroup$
              – J.G.
              Dec 31 '18 at 8:33


















            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
              $endgroup$
              – J.G.
              Dec 31 '18 at 8:33
















            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim !
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:20




            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim !
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:20












            $begingroup$
            @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
            $endgroup$
            – J.G.
            Dec 31 '18 at 8:33




            $begingroup$
            @MDesmond Yeah, about that: when you wrote sqrt ab, which obtains $sqrt ab$ (note $b$ is outside the square root), did you actually mean $sqrt{ab}$? If so your MathJax needs curly braces, viz. sqrt{ab}.
            $endgroup$
            – J.G.
            Dec 31 '18 at 8:33











            2












            $begingroup$

            Your claim works if and only if $b$ is rational.



            Note that



            $frac{sqrt{ab}}{sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}}=b$



            If numerator is rational then denominator is rational too.




            Counterexample for the case when $b$ is irrational take
            $a=2sqrt{2}$ and $b=sqrt{2}$




            Here $sqrt{ab}=2$ however $sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}=sqrt{2}$






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:22
















            2












            $begingroup$

            Your claim works if and only if $b$ is rational.



            Note that



            $frac{sqrt{ab}}{sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}}=b$



            If numerator is rational then denominator is rational too.




            Counterexample for the case when $b$ is irrational take
            $a=2sqrt{2}$ and $b=sqrt{2}$




            Here $sqrt{ab}=2$ however $sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}=sqrt{2}$






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:22














            2












            2








            2





            $begingroup$

            Your claim works if and only if $b$ is rational.



            Note that



            $frac{sqrt{ab}}{sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}}=b$



            If numerator is rational then denominator is rational too.




            Counterexample for the case when $b$ is irrational take
            $a=2sqrt{2}$ and $b=sqrt{2}$




            Here $sqrt{ab}=2$ however $sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}=sqrt{2}$






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            Your claim works if and only if $b$ is rational.



            Note that



            $frac{sqrt{ab}}{sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}}=b$



            If numerator is rational then denominator is rational too.




            Counterexample for the case when $b$ is irrational take
            $a=2sqrt{2}$ and $b=sqrt{2}$




            Here $sqrt{ab}=2$ however $sqrt{dfrac{a}{b}}=sqrt{2}$







            share|cite|improve this answer












            share|cite|improve this answer



            share|cite|improve this answer










            answered Dec 29 '18 at 15:39









            Rakesh BhattRakesh Bhatt

            967214




            967214












            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:22


















            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:22
















            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:22




            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:22











            2












            $begingroup$

            First, point out that your statement doesn’t hold for $a,b,k,m in mathbb{N}$.



            Take for example $(a,b) = (2,18)$. Then $k = sqrt{ab} = 6 in mathbb{N}$, but $m = sqrt{frac{a}{b}} = frac{1}{3} notin mathbb{N}$.



            But the following statement does hold:




            If $ab = k^2$ with $a,b,k in mathbb{Q}$, then $frac{a}{b} = m^2$ for some $m in mathbb{Q}$, where $mathbb{Q}$ is the set of rational numbers.




            Proof: If $ab = k^2$, then $frac{a}{b} = frac{ab}{b^2} = frac{k^2}{b^2} = (frac{k}{b})^2$, so $m = frac{k}{b}$ is rational, as desired.






            share|cite|improve this answer











            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:10










            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
              $endgroup$
              – Jonas De Schouwer
              Dec 31 '18 at 19:38
















            2












            $begingroup$

            First, point out that your statement doesn’t hold for $a,b,k,m in mathbb{N}$.



            Take for example $(a,b) = (2,18)$. Then $k = sqrt{ab} = 6 in mathbb{N}$, but $m = sqrt{frac{a}{b}} = frac{1}{3} notin mathbb{N}$.



            But the following statement does hold:




            If $ab = k^2$ with $a,b,k in mathbb{Q}$, then $frac{a}{b} = m^2$ for some $m in mathbb{Q}$, where $mathbb{Q}$ is the set of rational numbers.




            Proof: If $ab = k^2$, then $frac{a}{b} = frac{ab}{b^2} = frac{k^2}{b^2} = (frac{k}{b})^2$, so $m = frac{k}{b}$ is rational, as desired.






            share|cite|improve this answer











            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:10










            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
              $endgroup$
              – Jonas De Schouwer
              Dec 31 '18 at 19:38














            2












            2








            2





            $begingroup$

            First, point out that your statement doesn’t hold for $a,b,k,m in mathbb{N}$.



            Take for example $(a,b) = (2,18)$. Then $k = sqrt{ab} = 6 in mathbb{N}$, but $m = sqrt{frac{a}{b}} = frac{1}{3} notin mathbb{N}$.



            But the following statement does hold:




            If $ab = k^2$ with $a,b,k in mathbb{Q}$, then $frac{a}{b} = m^2$ for some $m in mathbb{Q}$, where $mathbb{Q}$ is the set of rational numbers.




            Proof: If $ab = k^2$, then $frac{a}{b} = frac{ab}{b^2} = frac{k^2}{b^2} = (frac{k}{b})^2$, so $m = frac{k}{b}$ is rational, as desired.






            share|cite|improve this answer











            $endgroup$



            First, point out that your statement doesn’t hold for $a,b,k,m in mathbb{N}$.



            Take for example $(a,b) = (2,18)$. Then $k = sqrt{ab} = 6 in mathbb{N}$, but $m = sqrt{frac{a}{b}} = frac{1}{3} notin mathbb{N}$.



            But the following statement does hold:




            If $ab = k^2$ with $a,b,k in mathbb{Q}$, then $frac{a}{b} = m^2$ for some $m in mathbb{Q}$, where $mathbb{Q}$ is the set of rational numbers.




            Proof: If $ab = k^2$, then $frac{a}{b} = frac{ab}{b^2} = frac{k^2}{b^2} = (frac{k}{b})^2$, so $m = frac{k}{b}$ is rational, as desired.







            share|cite|improve this answer














            share|cite|improve this answer



            share|cite|improve this answer








            edited Dec 30 '18 at 21:08









            J. W. Tanner

            4,8471420




            4,8471420










            answered Dec 29 '18 at 15:25









            Jonas De SchouwerJonas De Schouwer

            4039




            4039












            • $begingroup$
              Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:10










            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
              $endgroup$
              – Jonas De Schouwer
              Dec 31 '18 at 19:38


















            • $begingroup$
              Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:10










            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim !
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:20










            • $begingroup$
              Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
              $endgroup$
              – Jonas De Schouwer
              Dec 31 '18 at 19:38
















            $begingroup$
            Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:10




            $begingroup$
            Did you notice that 18/2 is a square number of a natural number
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:10












            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim !
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:20




            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim !
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:20












            $begingroup$
            Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
            $endgroup$
            – Jonas De Schouwer
            Dec 31 '18 at 19:38




            $begingroup$
            Yes, but 2/18 is not, which is enough as a counterexample.
            $endgroup$
            – Jonas De Schouwer
            Dec 31 '18 at 19:38











            1












            $begingroup$

            An "easy" algebraic proof:



            if (assuming that $a$ and $b$ are rational numbers) $sqrt {ab}={frac{x}{y}}$, then $ab$ is a perfect "square fraction" i.e. $ab=frac{x^2}{y^2}$. then $a=frac{x^2}{by^2}$, and $sqrt frac{a}{b} = sqrt{frac{x^2}{b^2y^2}}=frac{x}{by}=frac{n}{m}$.






            share|cite|improve this answer











            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:21
















            1












            $begingroup$

            An "easy" algebraic proof:



            if (assuming that $a$ and $b$ are rational numbers) $sqrt {ab}={frac{x}{y}}$, then $ab$ is a perfect "square fraction" i.e. $ab=frac{x^2}{y^2}$. then $a=frac{x^2}{by^2}$, and $sqrt frac{a}{b} = sqrt{frac{x^2}{b^2y^2}}=frac{x}{by}=frac{n}{m}$.






            share|cite|improve this answer











            $endgroup$













            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:21














            1












            1








            1





            $begingroup$

            An "easy" algebraic proof:



            if (assuming that $a$ and $b$ are rational numbers) $sqrt {ab}={frac{x}{y}}$, then $ab$ is a perfect "square fraction" i.e. $ab=frac{x^2}{y^2}$. then $a=frac{x^2}{by^2}$, and $sqrt frac{a}{b} = sqrt{frac{x^2}{b^2y^2}}=frac{x}{by}=frac{n}{m}$.






            share|cite|improve this answer











            $endgroup$



            An "easy" algebraic proof:



            if (assuming that $a$ and $b$ are rational numbers) $sqrt {ab}={frac{x}{y}}$, then $ab$ is a perfect "square fraction" i.e. $ab=frac{x^2}{y^2}$. then $a=frac{x^2}{by^2}$, and $sqrt frac{a}{b} = sqrt{frac{x^2}{b^2y^2}}=frac{x}{by}=frac{n}{m}$.







            share|cite|improve this answer














            share|cite|improve this answer



            share|cite|improve this answer








            edited Dec 29 '18 at 15:47

























            answered Dec 29 '18 at 15:18









            ZoberZober

            715




            715












            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:21


















            • $begingroup$
              Please see my claim
              $endgroup$
              – M Desmond
              Dec 31 '18 at 6:21
















            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:21




            $begingroup$
            Please see my claim
            $endgroup$
            – M Desmond
            Dec 31 '18 at 6:21


















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