Simplifying $f(\sqrt{7})$, where $f(x) = \sqrt{x-4\sqrt{x-4}}+\sqrt{x+4\sqrt{x-4}}$

algebra-precalculuscomplex numbersfunctionsnested-radicalsrationalising-denominator

If $f(x) = \sqrt{x-4\sqrt{x-4}}+\sqrt{x+4\sqrt{x-4}}$ ; then $f(\sqrt {7})=\; ?$

I tried solving this equation through many methods, I tried rationalizing, squaring, etc. But after each of them, the method became really lengthy and ugly.

I also noted that once we substitute $\sqrt {7}$ the inner part of the radical becomes imaginary. How to proceed with this piece of information?

Please help me with this problem. Any more innovative methods would be appreciated.


Answer: $4$.


Edit $[7^{th}$ March, $2021]$:

I was told yesterday that this question was wrong and that we were supposed to find $f(2\sqrt5)$. Although I can solve with $2\sqrt5$ the same way as given below in the answers…. What I don't understand is that why $\sqrt7$ doesn't work. Can someone please help?

Best Answer

Set $\sqrt{x-4}=u \to x=u^2+4\\$so $$\sqrt{x-4\sqrt{x-4}}+\sqrt{x+4\sqrt{x-4}}=\\ \sqrt{u^2+4-4u}+\sqrt{u^2+4+4u}=\\ |u-2|+|u+2|=\\ |\sqrt{x-4}-2|+|\sqrt{x-4}+2|$$ but when deals to imaginary numbers absolute sign is not necessary.

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