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In this Class 10 Mathematics topic from the Real Numbers chapter, students learn how to prove that √2, √3 and √5 are irrational numbers. The proof begins by assuming that a square root can be written as a fraction p/q in lowest terms, then uses prime divisibility and the resulting contradiction to reject that assumption. Students also strengthen their understanding of rational and irrational numbers, prime factorisation, and the logical structure used in mathematical proofs.
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Expert · Level 5View options
(p^2) even, then (p) even, then (p=2k), then (q) even
(q) even, then (p) odd, then (p=q)
(p=q), then (q=0), then contradiction
(p) prime, then (q) prime, then (\sqrt{2}=2)
Expert · Level 5View options
Because (3) is odd
Because (3) is prime and a prime factor in a square also appears in the base
Because (p) is always (3)
Because (q) is zero
Expert · Level 5View options
(a=b) must hold
(b=0) must hold
(a,b) must be coprime integers and (b\neq0)
Both (a) and (b) must be (5)
Expert · Level 5View options
It should be (q^2=k^2)
It should be (q=2k^2)
It should be (q^2=8k^2)
It should be (q^2=2k^2)
Expert · Level 5View options
Substitute (p=3r) in (p^2=3q^2) to get (q^2=3r^2)
Directly write (q=p)
Directly write (q=0)
Replace (3) by (2)
Expert · Level 5View options
(a) and (b) are equal
(a) is a multiple of (5)
(b=5)
(\sqrt{5}) is an integer
Expert · Level 5View options
(p) and (q) are both integers
(q\neq0)
(2\mid p) and (2\mid q)
(\sqrt{2}>1)
Expert · Level 5View options
A decimal approximation is not a complete proof
Writing decimals is always forbidden
(1.732) is an integer
(\sqrt{3}=3) becomes true
Expert · Level 5View options
(\gcd(a,b)=1) will still remain
(\gcd(a,b)=0)
(\gcd(a,b)) will be at least (5)
(\gcd(a,b)) must be (2)
Expert · Level 5View options
(\sqrt{8}=4\sqrt{2}), so it is irrational
(\sqrt{8}=2\sqrt{2}), and multiplying irrational (\sqrt{2}) by nonzero rational (2) gives an irrational number
(\sqrt{8}=8), so it is irrational
(\sqrt{8}) is a perfect square
Expert · Level 5View options
(\frac{p}{q}) is truly in lowest form
(p) and (q) are both (1)
The rational assumption gives a contradiction
(q=0) is proved
Expert · Level 5View options
(a=5k) can be written
(5\mid a)
(a) is necessarily divisible by (25)
(a) is a multiple of (5)
Expert · Level 5View options
From (p^2=2q^2), (p) is even, and stopping there
Putting (p=2k) and getting (q^2=2k^2)
Proving (q) even
Writing contradiction because both are even
Expert · Level 5View options
(q=0)
(r\mid p)
(p=q)
(r\mid q) immediately
Expert · Level 5View options
First (3\mid p^2), then (3\mid p), then (p=3k)
(p^2) is divisible by (3), so apply the prime rule
Looking at (p^2=3q^2) and directly writing (p=3q)
(3) is prime, so (3\mid p)
Expert · Level 5View options
First (5\mid a), then substituting (a=5k) gives (5\mid b)
First (b=0), then (a=0)
First (a=b), then (5=1)
First (\sqrt{5}=5), then (a=b)
Expert · Level 5View options
The related prime factor (2,3,5) changes
The denominator is zero every time
The decimal expansion is used every time
The square root is an integer every time
Expert · Level 5View options
by (3)
by (2)
by (5)
by (q) itself
Expert · Level 5View options
Because if the denominator is zero, (\frac{p}{q}) is not defined
Because (q) must equal (3)
Because the proof becomes easier if (q) is zero
Because (p) and (q) are decimals
Expert · Level 5View options
Putting (a=5k) gives (b^2=5k^2), so (5\mid b)
Putting (a=5k) gives (b=5)
Putting (a=5k) gives (b=a)
Putting (a=5k) gives (b=0)
Expert · Level 5View options
If (p^2) is even, then (p) is also even
If (p^2) is even, then (p) is odd
If (p^2) is even, then (p=1)
If (p^2) is even, then (q=0)
Expert · Level 5View options
(k) is some integer
(k=q) necessarily
(k=0) only
(k) is irrational
Expert · Level 5View options
Both are positive
Both are coprime
Both are integers
(b\neq0)
Expert · Level 5View options
Squaring will become impossible
(2) will not remain prime
Finding a common factor will not become a decisive contradiction
(q) will automatically become zero
Expert · Level 5View options
Hence (3) is irrational
Hence (\sqrt{3}=3)
Hence the rational assumption is false, so (\sqrt{3}) is irrational
Hence (p=q)
Question 1ExpertLevel 5
If (\sqrt{2}=\frac{p}{q}) is assumed in lowest form and (p^2=2q^2) is obtained, which sequence is most logical to reach the contradiction?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: From (p^2=2q^2), (p^2) is even, so (p) is even. Step 2: Putting (p=2k) gives (q^2=2k^2), so (q) is even. Step 3: Both being even contradicts coprimality of the lowest-form fraction.
In the irrationality proof of (\sqrt{3}), which reasoning is strongest while writing (3\mid p) from (3\mid p^2)?
Correct answer: B
Step 1: From (p^2=3q^2), we get (3\mid p^2). Step 2: Since (3) is prime, (3\mid p) is a valid conclusion. Step 3: Do not say only odd; mention primality for a complete proof.
If (\sqrt{5}) is assumed rational as (\sqrt{5}=\frac{a}{b}), which condition about (a) and (b) is essential for the proof?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: A rational number is written as a ratio of two integers. Step 2: In the proof, the fraction is taken in lowest form, so (a,b) are coprime and (b\neq0). Step 3: This condition later creates the contradiction with a common factor.
If (p=3r) has been proved in the irrationality proof of (\sqrt{3}), which step is correct to conclude about (q)?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: Substitute (p=3r) in the original equation. Step 2: From (9r^2=3q^2), we get (q^2=3r^2), so (3\mid q). Step 3: Do not conclude about (q) without substitution.
In the proof for (\sqrt{5}), after (5\mid a) is proved from (a^2=5b^2), (a=5t) is written. What does this indicate?
Correct answer: B
Step 1: (5\mid a) means (a) is divisible by (5). Step 2: Divisibility is written in multiple form, so (a=5t). Step 3: This form helps prove divisibility of (b) next.
Which statement directly conflicts with the coprimality of (p) and (q) in the proof for (\sqrt{2})?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: Coprime numbers have no common factor except (1). Step 2: (2\mid p) and (2\mid q) make (2) a common factor. Step 3: This is the final contradiction.
If a student writes (\sqrt{3}\approx1.732) and treats it as proof of irrationality, what is the main weakness?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: (1.732) is only an approximate value, not the full value. Step 2: To prove irrationality, we must assume rationality and show a contradiction with coprimality. Step 3: In exams, write a logical proof, not an approximation.
While proving (\sqrt{5}) irrational, both (a) and (b) turn out divisible by (5). What is its effect on (\gcd(a,b))?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: Both numbers are divisible by (5). Step 2: Therefore their greatest common divisor cannot remain (1); it will be at least (5). Step 3: This breaks the coprimality condition.
If (\sqrt{8}) is considered instead of (\sqrt{2}), what is the best short reason that (\sqrt{8}) is irrational?
Correct answer: B
Step 1: (\sqrt{8}=\sqrt{4\cdot2}=2\sqrt{2}). Step 2: (\sqrt{2}) is irrational and (2) is a nonzero rational number, so (2\sqrt{2}) remains irrational. Step 3: Separate perfect-square factors while simplifying roots.
In the proof for (\sqrt{3}), if (\frac{p}{q}) is in lowest form but (p=3m) and (q=3n) are obtained, which conclusion is most precise?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: (p=3m) and (q=3n) show that (3) is a common factor of both. Step 2: This contradicts the lowest-form condition. Step 3: Therefore assuming (\sqrt{3}) rational is proved false.
In the proof for (\sqrt{5}), after showing (a) is divisible by (5) from (a^2=5b^2), which conclusion would be immediately wrong?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: From (a^2=5b^2), (5\mid a^2), so (5\mid a). Step 2: This does not necessarily mean (a) is divisible by (25). Step 3: Write only the conclusion that is actually proved.
Which statement would leave the proof of (\sqrt{2}) incomplete?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: Proving (p) even is only half of the proof. Step 2: We must next put (p=2k) and show (q) is also even. Step 3: Without reaching the final contradiction, the answer is incomplete.
In the proof for (\sqrt{3}), which shortcut from (p^2=3q^2) to (p=3k) is wrong?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: From (p^2=3q^2), we get (3\mid p^2), not directly (p=3q). Step 2: The correct conclusion is (3\mid p), then (p=3k). Step 3: Do not create an unsupported equality while removing squares.
After assuming (\sqrt{5}) rational and getting (a^2=5b^2), how does a common factor appear in (a) and (b)?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: From (a^2=5b^2), (5\mid a). Step 2: Putting (a=5k) gives (b^2=5k^2), so (5\mid b). Step 3: Now (5) becomes a common factor and gives the contradiction.
In the proofs of (\sqrt{2}), (\sqrt{3}), and (\sqrt{5}), what changes while the proof method remains the same?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: In all three proofs, the rational assumption is made first. Step 2: Then the related prime number becomes common to numerator and denominator. Step 3: The structure is the same; only the prime factor changes.
If both (p) and (q) are proved even in the proof for (\sqrt{2}), by what can (\frac{p}{q}) be reduced?
Correct answer: B
Step 1: Even means divisible by (2). Step 2: If both numerator and denominator are divisible by (2), the fraction can be reduced by (2). Step 3: This contradicts the lowest-form assumption.
Why is it necessary to write (q\neq0) while proving the irrationality of (\sqrt{3})?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: The rational form (\frac{p}{q}) is valid only when (q\neq0). Step 2: If the denominator is zero, the fraction is not defined. Step 3: This condition must be written at the beginning of the proof.
Which option gives the correct basis for divisibility of (b) in the proof for (\sqrt{5})?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: Substituting (a=5k) in (a^2=5b^2) gives (25k^2=5b^2). Step 2: Simplifying gives (b^2=5k^2), so (5\mid b^2) and (5\mid b). Step 3: This shows the final common factor.
Which statement correctly moves from (p^2) to (p) in the proof for (\sqrt{2})?
Correct answer: A
Step 1: The square of an odd integer is odd. Step 2: So if (p^2) is even, (p) cannot be odd and must be even. Step 3: This parity rule is a key step in the proof.
In the proof for (\sqrt{5}), both (a) and (b) being divisible by (5) breaks which initial condition?
Correct answer: B
Step 1: At the beginning, (\frac{a}{b}) was taken in lowest form. Step 2: This means (a) and (b) are coprime. Step 3: (5) being common to both breaks this condition.
While writing the proof for (\sqrt{2}), if someone assumes (\sqrt{2}=\frac{p}{q}) but does not mention lowest form, what problem occurs?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: The contradiction depends on (p) and (q) being coprime. Step 2: Without stating lowest form, both being even is not a decisive contradiction. Step 3: Therefore mention lowest form at the start.
Which option gives the most appropriate final sentence for the proof of (\sqrt{3})?
Correct answer: C
Step 1: The proof starts by assuming (\sqrt{3}) rational. Step 2: That assumption gives a common factor against coprimality. Step 3: Therefore the final conclusion is that (\sqrt{3}) is irrational.
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