01 If \(x\) is an irrational number and \(r\) is a non-zero rational number, which of the following statements is always true?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. \(rx\) is irrational
Explanation: If \(rx\) were rational, then \(x=(rx)/r\) would be rational, a contradiction. Hence \(rx\) is irrational. But \(x^2\) need not be irrational: for \(x=\sqrt{2}\), \(x^2=2\). Exam tip: use contradiction by dividing by a non-zero rational number.