Square and square roots

Brief history
In ancient India, mathematical concept like squares and square roots
were explored in texts like Sulba Sutras, dating back to around 800 BCE.
Later, Brahmagupta’s seminal work “Brahmasphutasiddhanta” in the 7th
century CE delved into contributing significantly to the understanding of
squares and square roots in Indian Mathematics. The profound
mathematical heritage showcased deep understanding of concepts
influencing globally and laying off the foundation for further
development in squares and square roots.
Learning Outcome
• Understand the meaning of Squaring a number.
• Find squares of a number.
• Find whether a number is perfect square number or not.
• Learn about different properties of perfect squares.
• Find interesting pattern.
• Calculate the square root of any number.
Introduction
Welcome to the fascinating world of squares and square roots! In this chapter we will explore the
powers of numbers raised to the power of 2 and discover their roots. Whether talking about of
perfect squares or square roots, get ready for a mathematical journey that adds depth to our
understanding of numbers. Let’s explore, discover and learn together.

5.1 Square of a number

We have seen in previous chapter that 5 x 5 can be expressed as 52 or raised to the power of 2,
which is read as “five squared”. Here 52 = 5x5, which is 25 and we say 25 is the square of 5.

Definition:-The square of a number is the product of the number by itself.

Say in general 𝑥 is a number, then 𝑥 × 𝑥 will give the

Square of the given number. i.e. 𝑥 × 𝑥 = 𝑦
Here 𝑥 is the number and 𝑦 is the square of the number. Keep in Mind
Now let us understan𝑑 ℎow to find Square of number is the result of
the square of a given number with the help of the multiplying the number by itself. It is
following example. also called Perfect Square Number.
Example1: Find the square of the following given numbers
a) 3 b) 16 c) 25 d) 100
Solution: The square of the given are:-
a) Square of 3 = 32
Knowledge Box
=3 × 3
Do you know why it is read as square and
=9
not rectangle or triangle?
b) Square of 16=162
It is read as square because the result we
= 16 × 16
get after squaring a number is equal to the
=256
area of a square whose length of Side is
c)Square of 25 =252
equal to the given number.
=25 × 25
Example: Find the area of a square with
=625
sides 5 units.
d) Square of 100 =1002
Solution: Area of a square = side x side
=100 × 100 5 units
=5×5
=10000
=25
5 units

Example 2: List the perfect square number between 1 =52

and 10. We see that 25 Sq. units is the area and is
Solution: List of perfect square number 1 and 10 are 4 also the value of 52 .
and 9.
 Knowledge Box
Try out
Q1. Find the squares of the following numbers.
You can find the square of any number,
a) 4 b) 12 c) 26 d) 52
whether it is an integer ,decimal, fraction
Q2. Find the perfect square number between the given
or any rational number.
range of numbers.
a) 20 and 30 b) 40 and 100
Example: Find the square of following
number
a) Square of (-3) = −3 2 =9
5.2 Properties of Square Numbers b) Square of 1.5=( 1 ⋅ 5 2 =2.25
2 2 2 4
Consider the number and their squares as shown in the c) Square of 3= 3
=9
table below. Here the table has squares of the numbers 5 −5 2 25
d) Square of − 7= 7 =49
from 1 to 30. What you observe here is the numbers
1,4,9,16,25, …… and so on are perfect square numbers.

Numbers Squares Numbers Squares Numbers Squares

1 1 11 121 21 441
2 4 12 144 22 484
3 9 13 169 23 529
4 16 14 196 24 576
5 25 15 225 25 625
6 36 16 256 26 676
7 49 17 289 27 729
8 64 18 324 28 784
9 81 19 361 29 841
10 100 20 400 30 900

Table -1
Now let us look at some interesting properties of there perfect square numbers and how they show
connections with the numbers.

Property 1: Observe the units digit of the number and their square number in the table 1. You will notice
that none of the square number ends with 2,3,7 and 8.
Examples: The numbers 72,83,197,348 ends with 2,3,7 and 8 So, these are not perfect square numbers.

Property 2: The number ending with 0, 1,4,5,6,9 may or may not be a perfect square number.
Example: 81, 484,1225 are perfect square numbers, but 39,91, 126, 525 , 624,1800 are not perfect square
number even though ending with 0,1,4,5,6,9.
 Number Squares
Property 3: The units place of the square number determines the units place
1 1
digit of its square number. Consider the Table 1 and
observe. 11 121
❖ When the original number has 1 or 9 in its units place the square 29 841
number has 1 in its units place.
Examples: Look at the numbers ending with 1 or 9 and observe their 31 961
respective squares given here in Table 2. The square of 11 is 59 3481
121,square of 29 is 841.The units digit is 1.
Table 2
❖ When the original number has 2 or 8 in its units place the square Number Squares
number has 4 in its units place.
Examples: Look at the numbers ending with 2 or 8 and observe their 2 4
respective squares given here in Table 3.The square of 2 is 4,the square 8 64
of 38 is 1444. The units digit is 4. 22 484

❖ When the original number has 3 or 7 in its units place the square 38 1444
number has 9 in its units place. 52 2704
Examples: Look at the numbers ending with 3 or 7 and observe their
respective squares given here in Table 4.The square of 13 is 169 ,the Table 3
square of 57 is 3249 both are ending with 9. Number Squares

13 169
❖ When the original number has 4 or 6 in its units place the square
number has 6 in its units place. 27 729
Examples: Look at the numbers ending with 4 or 6 and observe their 33 1089
respective squares given here in Table 5. The square of 16 is 256, the
square of 64 is 4096 both are ending with 6. 57 3249

83 6889
❖ When the original number has 0 in its units place the square number
Table 4
also has 0 in its units place.
Examples: Observe the squares of 10, 200 or 5000, which are 100,40000 and Number Squares
25000000 respectively. You will see the squares ends with 0 .
4 16

16 256
❖ When the original number has 5 in its units place the square number
24 576
also has 5 in its units place.
Examples: Observe the squares of 5,25,225 which are 25,625 and 50625 56 3136
respectively. You will see the squares ends with 5 . 64 4096

Table 5
Property 4: A number ending in odd number of zeros will not be a perfect square number.
Examples: Observe the 10,300, 5000 you will see they have odd number of zeros and therefore they are not
perfect square number

Try out
1.By observing units digits tell whether they are perfect square number or not.
a) 121 b) 252 c)676 d)4900
2.What will be the units digit in the squares of the following numbers.
a) 10 b) 17 c) 128 d)569
3.The square of 100 will have …….. Zeros in the square number.
4.The square of any number with unit digit will end with …..
5 .Is 120 a perfect square number?
 Property 5: Squares of even number are always even. Number Squares
Example: Observe the numbers and their squares given in Table 6. You will 2 4
notice that the numbers 2, 6, 14,100 and 238 are even and their
6 36
respective squares are also even.
14 196

100 10000

238 56644
Table 6

Property 6: Squares of odd number are always odd. Number Squares

Example: Observe the numbers and their squares given in Table 7. You will
notice that the numbers 3, 9, 11, 27 and 123 are odd and their respective squares 3 9
are also odd. 9 81

11 121

27 729

123 15129
Table 7
Property 7: The number of digits in the square of an n-digit number is either 2n − 1 or 2n
Example 1: Find the number of digits in the square of 2 which is a 1- digit number ?
Solution: 2 is a 1-digit number ,so 𝑛 = 1
In 2𝑛 − 1,put 𝑛 = 1
=2×1−1
=2 − 1
=1
Now, In 2𝑛, put 𝑛 = 1
=2 × 1
=2
Now, 22 =4
Here we see that square of 2 is having 1 digit.

Example 2: Find the number of digits in the square of 4 which is a 1-digit number?
Solution: 4 is a 1-digit number ,so 𝑛 = 1
In 2𝑛 − 1,put 𝑛 = 1
=2×1−1
=2 − 1
=1
Now, In 2𝑛, put 𝑛 = 1
=2 × 1
=2
Now, 42 =16
Here we see that square of 4 , is having 2 digits.

Example 3:Find the number of digits in the square of 16 which is a 2-digit number?
Solution: 16 is a 2-digit number ,so 𝑛 = 𝟐
In 2𝑛 − 1,put 𝑛 = 𝟐
=2×2−1
=4 − 1
=3
Now, In 2𝑛, put 𝑛 = 2
=2 × 2
=2
Now, 162 = 256
Here we see that square of 16 , is having 3 digits.
Property 8: There are 2𝑛 non-perfect square numbers between the squares of two consecutive
numbers 𝑛 and 𝑛 + 1
Example 1: Write the number of non –perfect square numbers between 42 and 52 .
Solution: The two consecutive natural number are 4 and 5
𝑛 = 4,
2𝑛 = 2 × 4
=8
There are 8 non-perfect square number between 42 and 52
Example 2: Write the number of non –perfect square numbers between 312 and 322 .
Solution: The two consecutive natural number are 31 and 32
𝑛 = 31,
2𝑛 = 2 × 31
= 62
There are 62 non-perfect square number between 312 and 322 .

Property 9: The sum of first 𝑛 odd natural number is 𝑛2

1 =1 =12
1+3 =4 = 22
1+3 +5 =9 = 32
1+3 +5+7 =16 = 42
1+3+5+7+9 =25 = 52
1+3+5+7+9 +…… 𝑛 = 𝑛2
Example 1: Find the sum of first 7 odd numbers.
Solution: Using the property of square number ,where the sum of first 𝑛 odd natural number is 𝑛2 .
1+3+5+7+9+11+13 =72
1+3+5+7+9+11+13 =49
Thus, the sum of first 7 odd natural number is 49.
Note: we can make use of this property to check whether a given number is perfect square or not by
doing successive subtraction of odd numbers until we get the difference as 0.

Example 2: Check whether 36 is a perfect square or not?

Solution: To check whether 36 is a perfect square or not we will perform successive subtraction from
consecutive odd numbers starting from 1.
36 -1 =35
35-3 =32
32-5 =27
27-7 =20
20-9 =11
11-11 =0
The successive subtraction result to 0 after subtracting for 6 times, which means 36 is a perfect
square and can be represented as sum of first 6 odd numbers.
1+3+5+7+9+11= 36
1+3+5+7+9+11 = 62
Example 2: Check whether 24 is a perfect square or not?
Solution: To check whether 24 is a perfect square or not we will perform successive subtraction from
consecutive odd numbers starting from 1.
24 -1 =23
23 -3 =20
20-5 =15
15-7 =8
8-9 = -1
The successive subtraction do not result to 0 after subtracting several times, which means 24 is
not a perfect square and can’t be represented as sum of first n odd numbers.
Keep in mind
If a number is a perfect square number, it has to be the sum of successive odd natural number
starting from 1.
 Try Out
1. Which among the following are the squares of odd numbers and which are of even numbers?
a) 81 b)64 c)144 d)169 e)1936 f)4096
2. Find the number of digits in the squares of the following numbers.
a)5 b)18 c)37 d)56 e)198 f)236
3. Find the number of non perfect square numbers between the squares of the given consecutive
numbers
a) Between 22 and 32 b) Between 162 and 172 c) Between 2002 and 2012
4. Express 64 as the sum of first 8 consecutive odd numbers.
5.What will be the sum of these consecutive odd numbers 1+3+5+7+9+11+13+15+17=…………
6. Check whether 63 is perfect square or not making use of subtraction form successive odd
numbers.

5.3 Pattern in Square Numbers

Pattern 1: When we add consecutive natural number, we get a
series of numbers as shown below.
1=1 Knowledge Box
1+2=3 Do you know why
1+2+3= 6 1,3,6,10,15,….. Are called
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10 triangular numbers?
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15
Here, these numbers 1,3,6,10,15,….. are called Triangular Number. If you notice here the dot
To find any triangular number, say 𝑛𝑡ℎ triangular number, we get it pattern shown below you will
𝑛 𝑛+1 see that these number can be
by 2 . depicted in the shape of
Now, these triangular number show interesting pattern. triangles.

The sum of two Consecutive triangular Number is always a square

number.
1 3 6 10 15 ………..
+
1 3 5 10

Here you can see1 + 3 = 4,3 + 6 = 9,6 + 10 = 16

and so on. The sum is always the perfect square.
Pattern 2: square of any odd number 𝑛, can be expressed as sum of two consecutive numbers as
𝑛2 − 1 𝑛2 + 1
𝑛2 = +
2 2

Example: Show that the odd number 5 can be expressed as sum of two consecutive numbers.
Solution: The given odd number is 5,𝑛 = 5,
𝑛 2 = 52
= 25
now to express 25 as the sum of two consecutive numbers let us put 𝑛 = 5 in the given relation
2
𝑛2 − 1 𝑛2 + 1
𝑛 = +
2 2
52 −1 52 +1
52 = 2
+ 2
25−1 25+1
25 = +
2 2
24 26
25 = 2 + 2
25 = 12 + 13
Here, 25 is obtained by adding 12 and 13 ,the two consecutive numbers.
Pattern 3: The product of two consecutive even or odd number is 1 less than the perfect square number. If 𝑛 is a
number than it can expressed as
𝑛 − 1 𝑛 + 1 = 𝑛2 − 1
or,
𝑛 − 1 𝑛 + 1 + 1 = 𝑛2
Example 1: Express 4, the perfect square number as the product of two consecutive odd numbers.
Solution: We know 𝑛 − 1 𝑛 + 1 + 1 = 𝑛2 ,Here 𝑛 = 4
= 4−1 4+1
=3×5
2
Therefore 𝑛 = 4 and can be expressed as the product of two consecutive odd numbers 3 and 5.

Example 2: Express 9, the perfect square number as the product of two consecutive even numbers .
Solution: We know 𝑛 − 1 𝑛 + 1 + 1 = 𝑛2 ,Here 𝑛 = 3
= 3−1 3+1
=2×4
Therefore , 𝑛2 = 9 and can be expressed as the product of two consecutive even numbers 2 and 4.
Pattern 4: The squares of 1 ,11 ,111, ……………. etc show a fascinating pattern.
12 = 1
11 2 = 121
111 2 = 12321
1111 2 = 1234321
…….
…….
The perfect square numbers of 1, 11, 111, . …. etc show another special property.
Observe the sum of digits of the perfect square number.
1 = 12
121 = 1 + 2 + 1 = 4 = 22
12321 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9 = 32
1234321 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 16 = 42
Pattern 5: There are some more interesting pattern given below.

Example 1: 72 = 49
67 2 = 4489
667 2 = 444889
6667 2 = 44448889
…….
……..

Example 2: 92 = 81
99 2 = 9801
999 2 = 998001
9999 2 = 99980001
…….
…….
Pythagorean Triplets : Pythagorean triplets is a group of three numbers, such that the sum of the
squares of two smaller number is equal to the square of the third member.
Let us say 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 are three numbers such that 𝑦 < 𝑧 and 𝑥 < 𝑧 then
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑧2
and 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 forms a Pythagorean triplet.
Example 1: Check whether 3,4 and 5 form a Pythagorean triplet.
Solution: Three numbers are Pythagorean triplet if the sum of the squares of the two smaller number is equal to
the square of the bigger number.
The sum of two smaller number is 32 +42
32 + 42 = 9 +16
= 25
=52
here, we get the sum of squares of smaller number equals to the square of biggest
number. Therefore 3 ,4, and 5 forms a Pythagorean triplet.
To find Pythagorean Triplets

Take any positive integer 𝑚 > 1, then 2𝑚 , 𝑚2 − 1 , m2 +1

Forms a Pythagorean triplet such that the square of biggest number
𝑚2 + 1 is equal to the sum of squares of the other two smaller
numbers.

Example 1.Find the Pythagorean Triplet whose smallest member is

given as 14. Knowledge Box
Solution: We know 2𝑚 , 𝑚2 − 1 , m2 +1 is a Pythagorean triplet. We make use of Pythagoras Theorem in
The smallest number is 2𝑚 and here we have 14 which is right angled triangle Which states
the smallest number (Hypotenuse)2 = (Base)2 + (Perpendicular)2
so, 2𝑚 = 14 This helps us to find the missing parameter.
𝑚=7 (H)2 = (P)2 + (𝐵)2
Now, , 𝑚2 −1 52 = 42 + 32

4 units
=72 − 1
=49 − 1
=48
In , 𝑚2 +1
=72 + 1 3 units
=49 + 1
= 50
Hence ,the Pythagorean Triplets are 7 , 48 and 50.

Example 2: Find the Pythagorean Triplets whose any one member is

given as 6. Keep in mind
Solution: Here 6 is any of the number not necessarily smallest one. 1) The value of m should always
So, Lets us take 𝑚2 − 1 = 6 be a positive integer.
𝑚2 = 7 2) To check if the number a,b,c
Here, the value of m is not a positive integer. are Pythagorean triplets then
Now, Lets us take 𝑚2 +1 = 6 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2
𝑚2 = 5
Here also, the value of m is not a positive integer.
So, we will take 2𝑚 = 6
𝑚=3
Thus , the other Pythagorean triplet will be
𝑚2 −1 = 32 − 1
=9-1
=8
𝑚2 +1 = 32 + 1
=9 + 1
= 10
Hence , the Pythagorean triplet is 6,8 and 10.

Try Out
1. Show that the odd number 11 can be expressed as sum of two consecutive numbers.
2. Express 36, the perfect square number as the product of two consecutive even/odd numbers .
3. Observe the given pattern and find the next two numbers in it.
132 = 169
1032 = 10609
1003 2 = 1006009
……………. =……………..
……………….=………………
4. Write the Pythagorean Triplet whose smallest number is 8.
5.Check whether 10,24 and 26 forms a Pythagorean triplet?
Mental Maths Corner

Split 27 into its place value and write in expanded

form,
27= 20+7
Square of 27= 20 + 7 2
= 20 + 7 20 + 7 (use distributive property)
=202 + 20 × 7 + 20 × 7 + 72
=400+140+140+49
= 729