Mathematics can be a challenging subject, and calculating square and cube roots can be even more intimidating. However, estimating these values can make the process easier and quicker. In this article, we will discuss how to estimate the value of square and cube roots.
What are Square and Cube Roots?
Before we dive into how to estimate the value of square and cube roots, let’s define what they are. The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 25 is 5, since 5 multiplied by 5 equals 25.
The cube root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself twice, gives the original number. For example, the cube root of 27 is 3, since 3 multiplied by 3 multiplied by 3 equals 27.
Estimating Square Roots
The first step to estimating the value of a square root is to find the two perfect squares that the number falls between. For example, to estimate the square root of 30, we need to find the two perfect squares that are closest to 30. In this case, those perfect squares are 25 and 36.
Next, we need to find the difference between the number we are trying to find the square root of and the smaller perfect square. In this case, the difference is 30 – 25 = 5.
We then divide the difference by the difference between the two perfect squares. In this case, the difference between 36 and 25 is 11, so we divide 5 by 11 to get 0.45.
Finally, we add this number to the smaller perfect square’s root, which is 5, to get an estimated value of the square root of 30 as 5.45.
Estimating Cube Roots
To estimate the cube root of a number, we use a similar method as estimating the square root. However, instead of finding the two perfect squares that the number falls between, we find the two perfect cubes.
For example, let’s estimate the cube root of 60. We need to find the two perfect cubes that are closest to 60, which are 27 and 64.
Next, we find the difference between the number we are trying to find the cube root of and the smaller perfect cube. In this case, the difference is 60 – 27 = 33.
We then divide the difference by the difference between the two perfect cubes. In this case, the difference between 64 and 27 is 37, so we divide 33 by 37 to get 0.89.
Finally, we add this number to the smaller perfect cube’s root, which is 3, to get an estimated value of the cube root of 60 as 3.89.
Conclusion
Estimating the value of square and cube roots can be a useful tool for quickly solving mathematical problems. By finding the two perfect squares or cubes that the number falls between and following the steps outlined above, you can easily estimate the value of square and cube roots.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you practice estimating square and cube roots, the easier and quicker it will become.
