Question

What is the principal square root of a number?

1) The positive square root of a number
2) The negative square root of a number
3) Both the positive and negative square roots of a number
4) None of the above

Answer 1

The principal square root of a number refers to the positive square root of the number, but in some cases, equations can have both positive and negative solutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principal square root of a number refers to the positive square root of a number. So, the correct answer is option 1) The positive square root of a number.

For example, the principal square root of 25 is 5 because 5 x 5 = 25. However, it's important to note that some equations might have two solutions, one positive and one negative. Therefore, option 3) Both the positive and negative square roots of a number can also be true in certain cases.