A surd is a number that can be expressed using roots. In this section we will learn how to add, subtract and multiply surds, as well write surds in their simplest form. As an extension activity, you can learn how to express surds as continued fractions.

By the end of this section you should be comfortable manipulating surds and be able to rationalise the denominator of a surd.

• Notes and Examples
  •  Proof that √2 is irrational
  •  Continued fractions and √2
•  Crucial Points

Exercises

•  Exercise Sheet
•  Multiple Choice Test (Solutions)
•  Hexagonal Surds Puzzle

Interactive

• Working with surds
• Rationalising the denominator
• Adding and subtracting surds
• Multiplying surds
• Squaring and cubing surds
• Rationalising the denominator