Where did the idea of square root comes from

$\begingroup$

In secondary school the most interesting idea before meeting complex numbers were the square root $\sqrt{ \phantom x}$ . Did anyone here have any idea about its origin and why they had to invent it?

$\endgroup$ 5

2 Answers

$\begingroup$

The Babylonians knew how to solve some quadratic equations.

The Greek geometers knew the Pythagorean theorem. They knew there is no rational number whose square is $2$.

So both of these mathematical cultures knew some useful (to them) things about squares, and about whether particular quantities were squares. Whether they had the concept of "extracting a square root" is a question for historians of mathematics. I'm pretty sure that even if they did they didn't have a symbol for it, or think of it in contemporary terms as a function.

$\endgroup$ 6 $\begingroup$

Here is the Babylonian method for finding square roots by hand But not the idea only the calculation

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password Submit

Post as a guest

Post Your Answer Discard

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy