Keeli was asked to approximate the square root of 38 to the nearest whole number.

Her work is shown here. Analyze her work, describing what she did correctly and what she did incorrectly. Provide the correct approximation, showing and explaining your work.

If you need to type the square root symbol (for example, √36 ), either type it in words, as in "the square root of 36," or use the common abbreviation "sqrt," as in "sqrt(36)" or "sqrt 36."

38 is between the two perfect squares 36 and 64.

38 is closer to 36 than it is to 64.

So 38=6

Question

Keeli was asked to approximate the square root of  38 to the nearest whole number.

Her work is shown here. Analyze her work, describing what she did correctly and what she did incorrectly. Provide the correct approximation, showing and explaining your work.

If you need to type the square root symbol (for example, √36 ), either type it in words, as in "the square root of 36," or use the common abbreviation "sqrt," as in "sqrt(36)" or "sqrt 36."

38 is between the two perfect squares 36 and 64.

38 is closer to 36 than it is to 64.

So  38=6

anonymous · Answer

The square root could also be negative.

anonymous · Answer

its more logical to say 38 is closer to 36 than next square up i e 49

anonymous · Answer

First, she forgot about the perfect square 49...

Second, she is assuming that square roots are linear in fashion so the closer it is to a perfect square, the close the root is as well.

Third, she shouldn't use "38=6" but rather $$\sqrt{38}\approx 6$$

anonymous · Answer

or about -6, don't forget :-)