How it works
A square root is a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives you the original number.
For example:
- The square root of 9 is 3, because 3 x 3 = 9.
- The square root of 16 is 4, because 4 x 4 = 16.
Perfect squares are numbers like 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, and 100. Each of these comes from multiplying a whole number by itself.
To find the square root of a perfect square:
- Think: "What number times itself equals this number?"
- You can use your multiplication facts to help you.
Remember, the answer is always a positive number (in 6th grade math).
Worked example
What is the square root of 36?
- 1
Think about your multiplication facts.
Recall which number, when multiplied by itself, gives 36.
- 2
Try numbers in order: 1 x 1, 2 x 2, etc.
Check each until you reach the product 36.
- 3
Notice that 6 x 6 = 36.
So, the number that gives 36 when multiplied by itself is 6.
Answer
The square root of 36 is 6.
Common mistakes
- 01
Thinking the square root is half the number.
Why: Students confuse square roots with division by 2.
Avoid it: Remember, square roots are about multiplying a number by itself, not dividing.
- 02
Choosing a number that doesn't multiply to the original number.
Why: Not checking the multiplication step.
Avoid it: Always multiply your answer by itself to check if you get the original number.
Practice
Answers stay hidden
1.What is the square root of 49?
Show hint
Think: What number times itself equals 49?
Reveal answer
7
2.What is the square root of 81?
Show hint
Try multiplying numbers by themselves until you reach 81.
Reveal answer
9
3.What is the square root of 25?
Show hint
What number, when multiplied by itself, gives you 25?
Reveal answer
5