Root

noun · Mathematics

Definition

A solution of an equation, or a number that when multiplied by itself a given number of times gives a value.

Explanation

The roots of a quadratic are the x-values where its graph crosses the x-axis. The square root of 9 is 3.

Example

The roots of x squared minus 4 = 0 are 2 and minus 2.

Common confusion

The square root of a number has a positive and negative value; the symbol for square root gives the positive value.