Prove that $\sqrt{5}$ is irrational.
I begin with the identity $(\sqrt{5} + 2 )(\sqrt{5} - 2 ) = 1$.
Then I am told to extract $\sqrt{5}$ from the first or second factor and consider it to be $\frac{m}{n}$ so I should replace it in both sides.
I have $$\frac{m}{n} = (\frac{1}{\frac{m}{n}} + 2) + 2.$$
I am also told to work on the right side until I have a denominator less than $n$ and I have to explain the reasoning.
Then I have to prove this is false by contradiction.
Right now my main problem is I can't get a denominator less than $n$.
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