Math Dictionary / Square Root
Square Root
A square root of a number is a value that multiplies by itself to make that number.
Number SystemGrade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
The square root of 36 is 6 because 6 x 6 = 36.
Also called: radical
Examples
| sqrt(25) = 5 |
| sqrt(81) = 9 |
| sqrt(2) is about 1.414 |
Common mistake
The principal square root is non-negative. sqrt(49) means 7, not -7.
Try one
Question: What is sqrt(144)?
Show answer
12, because 12 x 12 = 144.