* Square Roots as Fundamental Concepts for Basic Mathematics *

Technolody and Mathematics for Teachers (TMT)

Square Roots can be thought of as a special division where the divisor and dividend equal.

They can be extremely benefical at a basic level if given time to be studied and developed.

Referred to in words as: ( the square root of 49 equals ). = 7 since 7 * 7 = 49

* Forty – nine being the radicand * ( 7 ) and ( 7 ) being the divisor and quotient. *

The concept of Square Root is not usually considered Fundamental Mathematics,

however, it is becoming included more times than not in Elementary Mathematics.

The writer considers eight categories of concepts to be essential to Mathematics:

Whole, Decimal, Fractions, Mixed, Exponents, Square Roots, Proportions, Percents.

There is growing acceptance for Exponents and Square Roots to be included in the Basic

and Fundamental Concepts of Elementary Mathematics. * The World of Math Online *

The writer considers the topics of Exponents and Square Roots as fundamental if for no

reason then they provided excitement to the traditional mundane Mathematics topics.

Exponents: etc…

Examples: = 1 = 2 = 3 = 4 etc…

By including Square Roots at a very simple level of understanding and with fundamental

binary problems, it allows time for students to assimilate this concept before Algebra.

Also as previously mentioned they provide excitement and challenges to Basic Mathematics.

+ = ____ 3 + 5 = 8

= ____ 9 – 7 = 2

* = ____ 4 * 6 = 24

= ____ 8 / 2 = 4

By including Square Roots at a simple level with only understanding and with simple

binary problems, it allows time for students to assimilate this concept before Algebra.

As well as, previously mentioned they add excitement and challenges to Basic Mathematics.

Tom Love Malone College Fall 2003