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Line 9:
Line 9: − As such, the technically correct way of writing is +
→Two square roots for each number: tried to make plus or minus convention clearer
All numbers have two square roots, although they don't have to be distinct. For example, the square root of zero has two values: +0 and -0.
All numbers have two square roots, although they don't have to be distinct. For example, the square root of zero has two values: +0 and -0.
Since in many situations only the positive square root has any meaning, to be clear that both square roots are to be considered, in mathematics the convention is to use a sign, pronounced "plus or minus", in front of the square root symbol:
:<math>\sqrt{9} = \pm 3</math>
:<math>\sqrt{9} = \pm 3</math>