Is the cube root of 5 irrational? - Answers

Yes it is. There is no fraction which, when cubed, equates to 5. Consider n = p/q where p and q are integers expressed in lowest terms (they are relatively prime). If n3 = 5, then p3 / q3 = 5. This equates to an integer if and only if q3 = 1 meaning q = 1 or if p3 is divisible by q3. The latter is impossible since p and q are relatively prime. Thus, for n to be the cube root of 5 and be rational, it must be an integer. No integer cubes to 5 (1, 8, ...). Thus, the cube root of 5 is irrational.