How to Calculate Square Roots

The square root of a number is not the easiest of calculations to do when it comes to math problems. In many cases, it will take trial and error before the square root is actually able to be determined without the aid of a calculator. So be prepared to spend a little bit of time working these calculations out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Square Root Calculations

1. Choose the number that you will want to know the square root. The square root of a number is the number when multiplied by it will give you the current number you have. The easiest way to determine the square root of a number is to use the function that is available on most handheld calculators, however that is not always an option as a calculator is not always available and at the ready.
2. Calculate the square root of a number by going and first learning how to square a number. This will give you a general idea and a starting point when you go to determine a square root. Learning that three squared is nine and four squared equals 16 will help you in determining starting points for your square root calculations. You will be able to use these in the calculations that you will next use.
3. Find the number for which you will be getting the square root. In this case, we will use 26 as our number to find the square root. Since we know that five times equals 25 then we will determine that the square root for 26 will lie somewhere between five and six leaning closer to the side of five since six squared equals 36.
4. Use trial and error from this point to determine what the square root is of the number by picking a starting point such as 5.5 and squaring it to determine what the answer is and narrowing down your field.
5. Pick up your calculator and look at it. You will notice that it has a square root button available for use. This is the easiest and fastest way for you to find the square root of any number and will in all probability be the only way that you will do this task.