Mathematics Problem of the Week

Fall 2004

POW 4: Radical, dude

Given that

,

show that a is an integer, WITHOUT USING A CALCULATOR, COMPUTER, OR OTHER FANCY MACHINE!

Hint: you may want to label the first radical by x and the second as y.

Due Friday, September 24^th, at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. Maegan Bos’ mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to mbos@stlawu.edu

Presentation counts! The prize-winning entry will be selected from all correct submissions, based on the clarity, creativity and elegance of the solution.

Look for the SLU POW on the Web at http://it.stlawu.edu/~math/activities/