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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

Rationalize the denominator of . With your answer in the form , and the fraction in lowest terms, what is ?
Solution
Since the denominator involves cube roots, we can't just multiply by a conjugate. Instead we use the identity . Letting and , we have The denominator simplifies by the above identity to , so we are left with . Matching the form given in the problem, and , , (in some order), so .
Final answer
20