Estimating Square Roots


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Examples, solutions, videos, worksheets, stories and songs to help Grade 6 students learn how to estimate square roots using the Guess and Check Method and the Babylonian Method.




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The square root of a perfect square is an integer.
The square root of a non-perfect square would not be an integer and there are various methods to estimate the square root.

In this lesson, we will learn the guess and check method for estimating square roots.

What is the Guess and Check method for estimating square roots?
The guess-and-check method is a simple way to approximate the square root of a non-perfect square by refining guesses until you reach a satisfactory accuracy.

  1. Identify the Nearest Perfect Squares
    Find the two perfect squares that your number falls between.
  2. Make an Initial Guess
    Pick a decimal between the two integers and test it.
  3. Refine Further for More Accuracy
    If needed, narrow down further.

Estimating Square Roots - guess and check method

Finding square root using guess and check

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What is the Babylonian method for estimating square roots?
The Babylonian method is an ancient algorithm that quickly approximates square roots through iterative guessing. It’s more efficient than basic guess-and-check and is the foundation for modern computer algorithms.

  1. Make a guess (e.g., √10 ≈ 3).
  2. Divide the number by the guess: 10/3 ≈ 3.33.
  3. Average the guess and the result: (3+3.33)/2 = 3.165
  4. Repeat until satisfied: Next guess: 10/3.165 ≈ 3.1596 Average: (3.165 + 3.1596)/2 ≈ 3.1623.

Solving Square Roots: Babylonian Method (Simplifying Math)

Lesson on estimating square roots

Estimating Square Roots to the Nearest Integer




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