How do I find the square root of a number? :) For example I was thinking 36 would be 6. Don't give me an answer to the question though, just tell me if I'm right. If I'm not then just explain and see if I can figure it out. :)

Question

anonymous · Answer

you are right about 36

anonymous · Answer

sqrt of a number is 2 exact numbers that when multiplied equal whatever is inside the sqrt sign.

sqrt(25)= 5     because 5*5  = 25

anonymous · Answer

symbolically it would be

sqrt(x)=a            and therefore a*a=x

anonymous · Answer

Can it be -6 also?

anonymous · Answer

yes mam

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

timo86m you're mixing up two concepts

anonymous · Answer

-6*-6   = 36 indeed

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

the equation x^2 = 36 has two solutions, which are x = 6 or x = -6

that is true

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

but the square root function is a function

keyword: function

each input generates exactly one output

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

the square root of 36 is just 6 (not -6 at the same time)

the convention is to make the output positive or 0

if you want the negative version of it, you write $$\Large -\sqrt{36}$$

anonymous · Answer

OK, that's what I thought. I just wanted to make sure. Thanks so much! :)