Root

Pronunciation: /rut/ Explain

1. A root is a number that, when it is substituted into a polynomial, makes the polynomial equal to zero. Example: 2 is a root of x² – x – 2 since 2² – 2 – 2 = 4 – 2 – 2 = 0. For more information see Roots of a Polynomial.
2. A root is a number or expression with a fractional exponent. Examples: , .

   Definition: if and only if ; if and only if .

   For more information see Exponent (Roots).

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, root. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 157. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Root. 5/2/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/r/root.html.

Image Credits

• All images and manipulatives are by David McAdams unless otherwise stated. All images by David McAdams are Copyright © Life is a Story Problem LLC and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revision History

5/2/2019: Changed equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
12/5/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
8/7/2018: Changed vocabulary links to WORDLINK format. (McAdams, David E.)
5/5/2011: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)