Properties of Exponents Issue w/ HP Prime

[John P]

(12-12-2014 10:37 AM)Joe Horn Wrote:  

(12-12-2014 06:08 AM)John P Wrote:  I remember fom my algebra cources that leaving roots in the denominator was always a bad idea. Expression was considered simplified when there was no roots in the denominator.

A succinct explanation of the history of "rationalizing denominators", with the pros and cons of still teaching it (and doing it), is presented by "Dr. Math" here: http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/52663.html

Of course, and as always: the Golden Rule of Life applies: "everything in moderation". Sometimes with fraktions or with complex numbers you must multiply by the complemet of the denominator and it all depends 'where you want to go' so you must know what you are doing. Even with computers and calculators you should know 'where you want to go' and whot you are doing and not only rely on what the machine spits on you.