Encyclopedia of Science
MATHEMATICAL TERMINOLOGY
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
• COPYRIGHT
• NEWSLETTER

  



root


In mathematics:
  1. A number used to build up another number by repeated multiplication; in other words, one of the equal factors of a given number. For example, since 2 × 2 × 2 = 8, two is said to be the third root or cube root of eight. Of particular interest is i, the square root of -1. (See also exponent; power.)

  2. A solution of an equation; i.e. the value(s) of the variable for which the equation holds. 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

   • MATHEMATICAL TERMINOLOGY


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History




BACK TO TOP