Question

Estimate each square root to the nearest whole number.

$\sqrt{24}$

Short answer

The square root to the nearest whole number is 5.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. List some perfect squares.

1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49,….

Step 2. Locate interval.

24 lies between 16 and 25.

Step 3. Find the nearest perfect square.

Distance of 24 from 16 = 24 – 16 = 8

Distance of 24 from 25 = 25 – 24 = 1

Since 1 < 8. So, 25 is closer to 24.

Step 4. Find the square root of the nearest perfect square.

We know $25=5^2$. So, $\sqrt{25}=5$