A. Radical Notation

Radical is from the Latin word radix meaning "root".

In algebra, indicates the root of a quantity, the radicand , x , is being taken.

Consider further that when the root of x generates an answer, this same answer multiplied by itself n times, yields x .

For example, the root n = 2 nd root (also called the square root ) of 16 is the answer, 4. When 4 is multiplied together 2 times, the result is 16 . The index 2 also represents the exponent when written in opposite form, .

Example 1

The < index 2 is not needed as is known as square root, .

Example 2

Previous training skills:

x = input value

y = output value

So, when substituting a numerical value for x , y is the result.

Note : When evaluating radicals within this unit, only consider the positive solutions of the principal square root, unless otherwise directed.

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