Ordering Square Root Differences

CMAT 2023 · Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation · Medium · Surds and Indices

Arrange the following numbers in increasing order : A. 59−51\sqrt{59} - \sqrt{51} B. 37−29\sqrt{37} - \sqrt{29} C. 87−79\sqrt{87} - \sqrt{79} D. 79−71\sqrt{79} - \sqrt{71}

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. A.

    B < A < D < C

  2. B.

    C < D < B < A

  3. C.

    B < A < C < D

  4. D.

    C < D < A < B

Answer

D

Explanation

Note that each difference is of the form x+8−x=8x+8+x\sqrt{x+8} - \sqrt{x} = \frac{8}{\sqrt{x+8} + \sqrt{x}}. As xx increases, the denominator increases, so the value decreases. Values of xx for A, B, C, D are 51, 29, 79, 71 respectively. Since 29<51<71<7929 < 51 < 71 < 79, we have B>A>D>CB > A > D > C. In increasing order: C<D<A<BC < D < A < B.

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