A cube root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives the original number. For example, the cube root of 27 is 3 because 3 \times 3 \times 3 = 27. Cube roots can be represented using the radical symbol or exponent notation, such as \sqrt[3]x or x^1/3. Cube roots can be positive or negative. For instance, the cube root of -8 is -2 since -2 \times -2 \times -2 = -8. Cube roots are useful in various fields, including mathematics, science, and engineering, for solving equations and understanding geometric shapes.