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Prove that √13-√17 is irrational.

Question : Prove that √13-√17 is irrational. 

Doubt by Aman

Solution : 

Let us consider that √13-√17 is a rational number. So it can be written in the form of a/b where a and b are co-prime positive integers.

√13-√17 = a/b
√13 = 
Squaring  both sides.
(√13)² = (a/b + √17)²
13 = (a/b)²+(√17)²+2(a/b)(√17)
13 = a²/b² + 17+2a√17/b 
13-17 = 
a²/b²+2a√17/b 
-4 = 
a²/b²+2ab√17/b² 
-4 = (a²+2ab√17)/b²
-4b²=
a²+2ab√17
-4b²-a²-2ab=√17
-(a²+4b²+2ab)=√17

∵ a and b are integers.
∴ 
-(a²+4b²+2ab) is rational. 
⇒ √17 is also a rational number. But we know that √17 is irrational. 

It means, our assumption was wrong. 
Hence, 
√13-√17 is irrational.

Short Answer : 
If this is asked in 1 mark question then you can write this : 

We know, √13 and √17 and are irrational and the subtraction of two irrational number is always irrational. 
Hence √13-√17 is irrational.