| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | C1 (Core Mathematics 1) |
| Marks | 4 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Indices and Surds |
| Type | Rationalize denominator simple |
| Difficulty | Easy -1.3 This is a routine C1 surds question testing standard techniques: (a) recognizes difference of two squares pattern giving 16-3=13, and (b) applies rationalizing the denominator by multiplying by conjugate. Both parts are direct applications of textbook methods with no problem-solving required, making it easier than average but not trivial since students must execute the rationalization correctly. |
| Spec | 1.02b Surds: manipulation and rationalising denominators |
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Expand and simplify $(4 + \sqrt{3})(4 - \sqrt{3})$. [2]
\item Express $\frac{26}{4 + \sqrt{3}}$ in the form $a + b\sqrt{3}$, where $a$ and $b$ are integers. [2]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel C1 Q6 [4]}}