Given that \(p = 1 + \sqrt{2}\) and \(q = 1 - \sqrt{2}\), evaluate \(\frac{p^{2} - q^{2}}{2pq}\).
A
2(2+√2)
B
-2(2+√2)
C
2√2
D
-2√2
Verified Correct Answer: D.
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
\(\frac{p^{2} - q^{2}}{2pq} = \frac{(p + q)(p - q)}{2pq}\)
= \(\frac{(1 + \sqrt{2} - (1 - \sqrt{2}))(1 + \sqrt{2} + 1 - \sqrt{2})}{2(1 + \sqrt{2})(1 - \sqrt{2})}\)
= \(\frac{(2\sqrt{2})(2)}{-2}\)
= \(-2\sqrt{2}\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #1120)