What is a Root?
In mathematics, a root of a number refers to a value that, when multiplied by itself a certain number of times, results in the original number. The most common roots are the square root and the cube root.
Square Root
The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied
by itself, equals the original number. It is represented by
the radical symbol √. For example:
- The square root of 9 is 3 because
3 × 3 = 9. - The square root of 16 is 4 because
4 × 4 = 16.
Cube Root
The cube root of a number is a value that, when used three times in a
multiplication, gives the original number. It is represented as
∛. For example:
- The cube root of 8 is 2 because
2 × 2 × 2 = 8. - The cube root of 27 is 3 because
3 × 3 × 3 = 27.
General Formula for Roots
The general formula for finding the nth root of a number is written as:
n√x or x(1/n)
For example:
- The 4th root of 16 is 2 because
2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16. - The 5th root of 32 is 2 because
2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 32.
FAQs
Q: How do I calculate the nth root?
A: Use the formula x(1/n) or our online root calculator for quick results.