Understanding Square Roots | Definition, Examples, and Applications

Square root

The square root of a number is a mathematical operation that calculates the value which, when multiplied by itself, gives you the original number

The square root of a number is a mathematical operation that calculates the value which, when multiplied by itself, gives you the original number. In other words, it is the number that, when squared, yields the given number.

For example, the square root of 25 is 5 because 5 * 5 = 25. Similarly, the square root of 144 is 12 since 12 * 12 = 144.

The square root is denoted by the √ symbol, and it is commonly written before the number. So, √25 would represent the square root of 25.

It is important to note that square roots can be both positive and negative. For example, √25 is 5, but -√25 is -5. This is because both 5 and -5, when squared, result in 25.

Square roots can also have decimal or irrational values, such as the square root of 2 (√2), which is approximately 1.414. These values cannot be expressed as fractions or integers.

In addition to finding the square root of a number, you can also square a number by multiplying it by itself. This is the inverse operation of finding the square root.

Overall, square roots are fundamental in various areas of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. They are used in solving equations, finding side lengths of squares and rectangles, and determining the length of a hypotenuse in a right triangle.

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