A square root is a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 9 is 3 because 3 × 3 = 9. Square roots are often represented by the radical symbol (√). They help us solve problems in various fields, including mathematics, science, and engineering. Finding the square root can be useful in everyday situations, like calculating the area of a square. If you know the area is 16 square units, you can find the length of one side by taking the square root of 16, which is 4. This concept is essential in understanding more complex topics, such as algebra and geometry.