answersLogoWhite

0

Every positive number has two square roots, though the roots are not always whole numbers (or even rational numbers). The more obvious of each numbers roots is the positive one.

The positive square root of 4 is 2, because 2*2=4.

The positive square root of 5 is roughly 2.236068.

The other square root of a number is the negative inverse of their positive root. This is because when two negative numbers are multiplied together the negative signs "cancel out", leaving a positive number.

The negative square root of 4 is -2, because -2*-2=4.

The negative square root of 5 is roughly -2.236068.

Zero has only one square root, itself, and no negative number has any (real number) square roots, since no number multiplied by itself will result in a negative.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

LaoLao
The path is yours to walk; I am only here to hold up a mirror.
Chat with Lao
MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
BlakeBlake
As your older brother, I've been where you are—maybe not exactly, but close enough.
Chat with Blake

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How many square roots can a positive number have?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp