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QuestionMathematics

Is the square root of 58 a rational number?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step by step:

Step 2:
: Understand the definition of a rational number

A rational number is a number that can be expressed as a fraction $$\frac{p}{q}$$, where $$p$$ and $$q$$ are integers and $$q \neq 0$$.

Step 3:
: Examine the square root of 58

\sqrt{58}$$ cannot be simplified to a simple fraction of integers.

Step 4:
: Check if \sqrt{58} can be written as a ratio of integers

To do this, we need to determine if $$\sqrt{58}$$ is rational or irrational.

Step 5:
: Proof by contradiction

However, 58 is not a perfect square, which means $$\sqrt{58}$$ cannot be rational.
Then it can be written as \frac{p}{q} in lowest terms. Squaring both sides:

Final Answer

It is an irrational number.