The inverse (opposite) operation for squaring is to square root. The square root symbol is shown with a symbol √ in front of the number being square rooted.
Determining the square root of a number means what number would I have to multiply by itself to get the number I started with? For example, what is `sqrt(49)`? Multiplying 7 x 7 = 49, so `sqrt(49)` = 7.
Note that a square root has two possible answers. A negative multiplied by a negative also gives a positive answer:
+2 x +2 = +4; and
-2 x -2 = +4.
The answer to `sqrt(4)` may be +2 or -2. Sometimes a negative answer can be ignored because it does not make sense.
Note: the square root of a negative number does not exist (except in very advanced mathematics).
What is `sqrt(81)`?
9 x 9 = 81, so `sqrt(81)` = 9.
-9 x -9 = +81, so `sqrt(81)` = -9 is also an answer.
Answer: 9 and -9
Calculate `sqrt(frac(1)(4))`. Show only the positive value.
`frac(1)(2)` x `frac(1)(2)` = `frac(1)(4)`
Answer: `frac(1)(2)`
See also Inverse Operations