Squares, Cubes and Roots

A square number is what you get when you multiply a whole number by itself. We write $n^2$ and say "n squared". Think of arranging dots into a square grid.

A cube number is $n \times n \times n$, written $n^3$. Imagine stacking square layers to build a cube.

The square root $\sqrt{n}$ asks "what number times itself gives $n$?". The cube root $\sqrt[3]{n}$ asks "what number times itself three times gives $n$?".

Choose a value of $n$ to see its square grid and cube. Count the small squares or cubes to check.

Watch it work

Question: Evaluate $5^2$, $4^3$, $\sqrt{81}$, and $\sqrt[3]{64}$.

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