The spelling of "square root" is determined by its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription as /skwɛər ruːt/. The word derives from the Old French "esquare", meaning "square", and the Latin "radix", meaning "root". The spelling reflects the initial "s" sound of "square", followed by the vowel sound in "air" /ɛər/ that is combined with the "r" sound /r/ to create the "ru" sound. Finally, the "t" sound completes the word. "Square root" refers to a mathematical operation that finds the number which, when multiplied by itself, gives a specified number.
The square root is a mathematical operation that indicates the quantity needed to multiply by itself in order to obtain another given number. It is a value that, when multiplied by itself, yields a product equal to the given number.
In simpler terms, the square root of a number, denoted by the symbol √, is the value that, when squared (multiplied by itself), results in the original number. For example, the square root of 25 is 5 since 5 multiplied by itself equals 25.
The square root is often used in a variety of mathematical calculations, such as solving quadratic equations or determining the length of one side of a square when the area is known. It has applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, finance, and architecture.
The square root can be rational or irrational. A rational square root is one that can be expressed as a fraction or whole number, such as √4 = 2 or √9 = 3. On the other hand, irrational square roots cannot be expressed precisely as fractions or integers, and their decimal representation is never-ending and non-repeating, such as √2 or √π (pi).
Knowing how to calculate or estimate square roots is important in many mathematical problems, and the concept of the square root is fundamental to understanding advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents and logarithms.
That part of a number which, when multiplied into itself, produces the number.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "square" comes from the Latin word "quadratum", which means "a square". The word "root" comes from the Latin word "radix", which means "the base or source". The term "square root" originated from the practice of finding a number that when multiplied by itself (squared) would result in a given number. The phrase "square root" was first used in English in the 15th century and has since remained a commonly accepted term in mathematics.