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Proof by contradiction: suppose that root 7 (I'll write sqrt(7)) is a rational number, then we can write sqrt(7)=a/b where a and b are integers in their lowest form (ie they are fully cancelled). Then square both sides, you get 7=(a^2)/(b^2) rearranging gives (a^2)=7(b^2). Now consider the prime factors of a and b. Their squares have an even number of prime factors (eg. every prime factor of a is there twice in a squared). So a^2 and b^2 have an even number of prime factors. But 7(b^2) then has an odd number of prime factors. But a^2 can't have an odd and an even number of prime factors by unique factorisation. Contradiction X So root 7 is irrational.

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Q: Give a proof that the square root of 7 is an irrational number?
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