Root of an Equation

Pronunciation: /rut ʌv ə ˌpɒl.əˈnoʊ.mi.əl/ Explain

A root of an equation is a number that, when substituted into the equation, makes the value of the equation zero. Root of equations are used to find where the equation crosses the x-axis. Example: 2 is a root of x² – x – 2 since 2² – 2 – 2 = 4 – 2 – 2 = 0. For more information see Roots of a Polynomial.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, root. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 157. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book
2. Fine, Henry B., Ph. D.. Number-System of Algebra Treated Theoretically and Historically. 2nd edition. pp 32-34. www.archive.org. D. C. Heath & Co., Boston, U.S.A.. 1907. Last Accessed 12/4/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/thenumbersystemo17920gut/17920-pdf#page/n41/mode/1up/search/root. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Root of an Equation. 5/2/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. https://www.allmathwords.org/en/r/rootofanequation.html.

Revision History

5/2/2019: Changed equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
12/5/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
5/5/2011: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)