1. Root of an Equation:
* This refers to the value(s) of a variable that makes an equation true.
* For example, the equation x² - 4 = 0 has two roots: x = 2 and x = -2.
* Finding the roots of an equation is a fundamental task in algebra.
2. Root of a Number:
* This refers to a number that, when multiplied by itself a certain number of times, equals the original number.
* For example, the square root of 9 is 3 because 3 * 3 = 9.
* The cube root of 8 is 2 because 2 * 2 * 2 = 8.
* We can also talk about fourth roots, fifth roots, and so on.
Other uses:
* Square root symbol: The symbol used to represent the square root of a number is √.
* Nth root: The nth root of a number x is denoted by √ⁿx.
It's important to note that the context will tell you which meaning of "root" is intended.