$\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}} \cdot \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}} \cdot \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}} \cdot \sqrt{2 - \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}}$ is equal to
Aptitude
Square Root and Cube Root
Difficulty: Hard
Choose an option
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A1
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B2
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C4
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D$\sqrt{6}$
Answer
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
This problem uses the algebraic identity for the difference of two squares applied continuously from right to left under nested square roots.
$$(a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2$$
When numbers are multiplied under square roots of the same degree, we can combine them:
$$\sqrt{x} \cdot \sqrt{y} = \sqrt{x \cdot y}$$
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Calculation / Deduction:**
* Focus on the last two terms on the right:
$$\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}} \cdot \sqrt{2 - \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}}$$
* Combine them under a single square root. Let $a = 2$ and $b = \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}$.
* This forms $\sqrt{(a+b)(a-b)} = \sqrt{a^2 - b^2}$.
$$= \sqrt{2^2 - (\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}})^2}$$
$$= \sqrt{4 - (2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}})}$$
$$= \sqrt{2 - \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}$$
* Now, multiply this result by the second term in the original expression:
$$\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}} \cdot \sqrt{2 - \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}}$$
* Apply the same logic. Let $a = 2$ and $b = \sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}}$.
$$= \sqrt{2^2 - (\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}})^2}$$
$$= \sqrt{4 - (2 + \sqrt{3})}$$
$$= \sqrt{2 - \sqrt{3}}$$
* Finally, multiply this result by the first term in the original expression:
$$\sqrt{2 + \sqrt{3}} \cdot \sqrt{2 - \sqrt{3}}$$
* Let $a = 2$ and $b = \sqrt{3}$.
$$= \sqrt{2^2 - (\sqrt{3})^2}$$
$$= \sqrt{4 - 3}$$
$$= \sqrt{1} = 1$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
For infinitely or finitely nested square roots of the form $(2 + \sqrt{\dots}) \cdot (2 - \sqrt{\dots})$, the pattern collapses rapidly inward. Each step eliminates one layer of the root. Recognize the $(x+y)(x-y)$ pattern immediately and collapse it backwards mentally to save writing time.
### Common Pitfall
Getting intimidated by the length of the expression and attempting to calculate inner roots first. Always look for structural algebraic patterns (like difference of squares) before attempting brute-force calculation.
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 1.**