Square Roots Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
A square has an area of 196196 cm². What is the side length of the square?

Solution

  1. 1
    For a square, the area formula is A=s2A = s^2, where ss is the side length.
  2. 2
    Set up the equation: 196=s2196 = s^2.
  3. 3
    Take the positive square root of both sides: s=196=14s = \sqrt{196} = 14 cm.

Answer

14 cm14 \text{ cm}
Square roots undo squaring. Because the side length of a square is squared to produce the area, taking the square root of the area gives the side length.

About Square Roots

The non-negative number bb such that b2=ab^2 = a, written a=b\sqrt{a} = b — the inverse of squaring.

Learn more about Square Roots →

More Square Roots Examples

Example 1 easy

Find [formula].

Example 3 medium

Simplify [formula].

Example 4 easy

A square garden has an area of 144 square feet. What is the side length?

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