FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

To estimate an irrational square root, what should you find?

1. The nearest whole number.

2. The two whole numbers it falls between.

3. The exact square root value.

4. A fraction that is equal to it.

The correct answer is: The two whole numbers it falls between.

To estimate an irrational square root, it is essential to find the two whole numbers that the square root falls between. This process involves determining the perfect squares that are closest to the number whose square root you are trying to estimate. By identifying these two whole numbers, you can establish a range that gives you a clear understanding of where the square root lies. For instance, if you are estimating the square root of 20, you would find that it lies between 4 (since 4 squared is 16) and 5 (since 5 squared is 25). This helps you approximate the value more accurately than simply identifying the nearest whole number, as it provides a better estimate of the actual irrational square root.