kvadratrøtten

Kvadratrøtten, also known as the square root, is a fundamental concept in mathematics. It represents a number that, when multiplied by itself, yields a given number. For any non-negative real number x, its square root is a number y such that y * y = x. This relationship is typically denoted by the radical symbol '√'. For example, the square root of 9 is 3 because 3 * 3 = 9.

The square root operation has two possible results for positive numbers. For instance, both 3 * 3 and -3 * -3 equal 9. However, by convention, the radical symbol '√' refers to the principal (non-negative) square root. So, √9 is understood to be 3, not -3. The square root of 0 is 0.

Negative numbers do not have real number square roots. Instead, their square roots involve the imaginary unit 'i', where i² = -1. For example, the square root of -9 is 3i. The concept of square roots extends to more complex mathematical fields, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, where it plays a crucial role in solving equations, calculating distances, and understanding various mathematical functions. The inverse operation of squaring a number is finding its square root.