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Because many square roots are Irrational Numbers that can not be computed to an exact value for lack of space to continue an infinite string of digits after the decimal point.
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Why do you say approximate rather than compute when finding square roots when using a calculator or spreadsheet?
Well, it's both: you're using a machine to compute an approximation. Why isn't it exact? Most square roots (such as the square root of two) are irrational numbers, so their decimal representation requires an infinite number of digits. We humans have to have finite answers, hence we round off.
How do you compute square roots mentally?
There are many ways to do it. Have a look at the Wikipedia article (check the link).
How do you compute square root of 2 manually?
See the related link for a detailed description of a manual method for calculating square roots.
How do you calculate square roots as irrational numbers?
You can approximate a square root as a decimal or fraction. If you want the exact number, you have to leave it with the square root sign.
How is combining like terms similar to adding and subtracting square roots?
In surd form, square roots need to be have the same radical term before you can add or subtract them. However, unlike in algebraic expressions, it is possible to add or subtract square roots using approximate (decimal) values.
