Which term is the name for the root symbol in mathematics, such as the square root or nth root?

Which term is the name for the root symbol in mathematics, such as the square root or nth root?

• A. Power
• B. Radical
• C. Volume
• D. Width

Answer: (B)

The term for the root symbol in mathematics is radical. The radical sign √ is used to indicate taking a root, with an index (like the little n in √[n]{x}) showing which root to take; when the index isn’t written, it’s understood as the square root. This notation is related to exponents, since taking a root is the inverse operation of raising to a power, but it’s a distinct symbol and idea. The other terms refer to different concepts: power relates to exponents, volume is a measure of three-dimensional space, and width is a horizontal dimension.

The term for the root symbol in mathematics is radical. The radical sign √ is used to indicate taking a root, with an index (like the little n in √[n]{x}) showing which root to take; when the index isn’t written, it’s understood as the square root. This notation is related to exponents, since taking a root is the inverse operation of raising to a power, but it’s a distinct symbol and idea. The other terms refer to different concepts: power relates to exponents, volume is a measure of three-dimensional space, and width is a horizontal dimension.