MATHEMATICS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site root In mathematics: A number used to build up another number by repeated multiplication. For example, since 2 × 2 × 2 = 8, two is said to be the third root or cube root of eight. A solution of an equation. For example, 3 is a root of the equation x2 = 9. A root is also called a zero of a function because it is a value that will make the function zero (x = 3 will make the function f(x) = x2 - 9 zero). The word comes from the Indo-European werad, which originally meant the roots of a plant but was later generalized to mean the origins, or beginnings of something whether it was physical or mental. Related category    • MATHEMATICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP