Question

What is the principal square root of 16?

A
-4
B 4
С
1/4
D
-1/4

Answer 1

B

Step-by-step explanation

This is because the 'principal square root' means the positive square root of a certain number, and so √16 = 4 × 4, making 4 the answer. This has a certain term for it as √16 could equal -4 also (-4 × -4 = 16).

Answer 2

4

Explanation:

The principal square root is the positive square root

sqrt(16) = ±4

taking the positive square root

4