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In math, the n-th root b of a number a is such that bn = a. By definition, when you multiply b by itself n times you get the value of a.
An n-th root is usually denoted n√x, but it can also be written in exponential form with the base x and the exponent 1/n: x^1/n or x1/n.
Read on to learn everything about these numbers, including the properties, and make sure to check out our calculator.
Calculator
If you happen to know exponentiation, then you can think of the n-th root of a number as the inverse operation to elevating a number to the power of n.
Definition
Whereas in exponentiation elevating a number a to the power of n is defined as an = b, the n-th root b is defined as b = a1/n.
For example with a = 15625 and n = 3 we get:
In other words, the 3rd root of 15625 is 25, because 25 times 25 times 25 is 15625.
Observe that the index n is 3 (odd). Thus, 25 is the only real 3rd root. Keep reading to learn an important property in case n is even.
If n is even, then every positive number
and the negative n-th root
Together, they are written as
Let’s have a look this example when the index is even:
Proof:
-38 = 6561
+38 = 6561
The positive root is always the principal.
Next, we explain how the parts are called. Keep reading to learn all about the topic.
Parts
As depicted, the parts of the root are:
The radix sign, which tells us that it is a mathematical root, and the index of n, which tells us that it is the n-th root.
The number below the radix is the radicand.
The result of the mathematical operation is denoted by the equal sign and called the root.
n-th Root Symbol
The symbol √ is called radical sign, or radix.
Ahead is information regarding our calculator.
About our n-th Root Calculator
Our calculator at the top of this page computes the root of any non-negative real number.
Just enter a valid index and radicand; you then automatically obtain both, the principal root as well as the negative result (if applicable).
If our app has been of use to you bookmark it now.
Next, we discuss the properties.
n-th Root Properties
With
= -a if a < 0 and a if ≥ 0
The most important property is the first; the negative number tends to be forgotten. Read on to see the examples:
n-th Root Examples
We use the list of properties above to show you some examples in the order of appearance:
Frequently searched terms on this site include:
nth Root in Excel
In Excel you enter the syntax for
in a cell, like this:
=POWER(radicand,1/index)
For example, to calculate
insert =POWER(64,1/3).
In the next section we explain how to do the math.
How to Calculate the n-th Root
A very efficient procedure for extracting the root is the Newton–Raphson method, also known as Newton’s method detailed below:
You begin with a guessed starting value and then iterate the steps until you’re happy with the precision.
In the most basic version of the method, f is a single-variable function and f′ its derivative.
You may think of it of it as the n-th root formula.
Ahead is the bottom line.
Conclusion
You have made it to the end of our article.
Note that you can find the value of many n-th roots by using the search form in the header menu.
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– Article written by Mark, last updated on November 26th, 2023