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# What is a square root?

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A square root is the result of "unsquaring" a number, or the reversal of the process of squaring. The root is, as its name implies, a squared number reduced to its most basic form.

A square is just a number multiplied by itself. For example, "4 squared" is equal to 4 x 4, or 16. Square roots are the same function, only inverted: the square root of 16 is 4. In this sense, square roots are analogous to subtraction and division. Root numbers represented by whole numbers are considered to be perfect squares. Nonperfect square roots can only be rendered in irrational numbers, or numbers with an ongoing decimal remainder. Nonperfect squares are usually written as approximations.

## Similar Questions

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The square root of 1,296 is 36. This is considered a perfect square because the answer results in a whole number.

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The square root of 8 simplified is 2 times the square root of 2, which equals approximately 2.83. The square root of 8 is found by breaking down 8 into its factors of 4 and 2. The square root of each factor is taken, resulting in 2 and the square root of 2.

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The square root of 208 is 14.4222051019. This answer is derived by finding the number that when multiplied by itself results in 208.