To find the square root of a number means to determine which number, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 16 is 4, because $4 \times 4 = 16$.

Basic Steps to Find a Square Root:

1. For Perfect Squares: If the number is a perfect square (like 4, 9, 16, 25, etc.), you can easily find the square root by determining which whole number multiplies by itself to get that number.

   • Example:
     • $\sqrt{25} = 5$, because $5 \times 5 = 25$.

2. For Non-Perfect Squares: Use a calculator or estimate the square root by finding two close perfect squares.

   • Example: To estimate $\sqrt{20}$, notice that $\sqrt{16} = 4$ and $\sqrt{25} = 5$, so $\sqrt{20}$ is somewhere between 4 and 5.

3. Using a Calculator: Most calculators have a square root (√) button. Just enter the number and press the square root button.

   • Example: To find $\sqrt{50}$, type 50 and press √ to get approximately 7.07.

4. Manual Approximation (Long Division Method): There’s a more complex manual method for finding square roots for non-perfect squares known as the long division method. It's slower but precise.

5. Square Root of Negative Numbers: The square root of negative numbers involves imaginary numbers. For instance, $\sqrt{-9}$ is expressed as $3i$, where $i$ is the imaginary unit representing $\sqrt{-1}$.

Do you want more detailed examples or an explanation of any method?

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Here are five related questions:

1. How can you estimate square roots without a calculator?
2. What is the long division method for square roots?
3. How do you find the square root of decimals?
4. Can you explain what imaginary numbers are and how square roots of negative numbers work?
5. How can you simplify square roots involving fractions?

Tip: The square root of a fraction can be simplified by taking the square root of the numerator and the denominator separately.