Root Essentials

Roots reverse the operation of exponents:

• Square root of n: the number that squared gives n (√25 = 5)
• Cube root of n: the number that cubed gives n (∛27 = 3)
• nth root of n: the number raised to the nth power that gives n
• Perfect squares (1, 4, 9, 16, 25...) have whole-number square roots
• Non-perfect squares produce irrational roots — infinite, non-repeating decimals

When you need a quick value, bracket the number between the two nearest perfect squares and interpolate. That alone gives you accuracy good enough for most everyday checks.