How do I get a square root

First estimate, then divide

Finding square roots of of numbers that aren't perfect squares without a calculator

1. Estimate - first, get as close as you can by finding two perfect square roots your number is between.

2. Divide - divide your number by one of those square roots.

3. Average - take the average of the result of step 2 and the root.

4. Use the result of step 3 to repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have a number that is accurate enough for you.

Example: Calculate the square root of 10 () to 2 decimal places.

1. Find the two perfect square numbers it lies between.

Solution:

32 = 9 and 42 = 16, so lies between 3 and 4.

2. Divide 10 by 3. 10/3 = 3.33 (you can round off your answer)

3. Average 3.33 and 3. (3.33 + 3) / 2 = 3.1667

Repeat step 2: 10/3.1667 = 3.1579

Repeat step 3: Average 3.1579 and 3.1667. (3.1579 + 3.1667) / 2 = 3.1623