Continued Square Roots

 The long ( infinitely � ! ) row of complicated-looking square root signs within this problem put it firmly in the �Einstein cartoon � category, as far as Maths problems go, but a bit of investigating will reveal pleasant surprises �

 The Problems :

 1.         Find the exact value of the infinite sequence of square roots :

 

( If you have a calculator with the previous �ANS� button on it, then your working can be repeated automatically by just pressing the �=� button repeatedly once you�ve figured out the sequence of steps you want to do )

 2.         Repeat the problem for : 

 

You may be feeling happier about these long sequences by now � 

3.         What about   ?

 

4.         Does             work out nicely ?

 

5.         Can you find other starting numbers that do yield nice, integer, answers ?

 

Open the File as a Word Document

 

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Last modified: June 18, 2007