This is the Repeated Subtraction Method, and it’s as simple as pie (or maybe more like a mathy version of whack-a-mole).
That means we need to figure out what number multiplied by itself equals 1024. Easy enough, right? Well… not exactly. If you try to do this in your head or with a calculator, it can be pretty tricky (especially if you’re like me and have trouble remembering which way is up).
But don’t freak out! The Repeated Subtraction Method has got us covered. Heres how it works:
1. Write down the number you want to find the square root of (in this case, 1024) on a piece of paper or in your head.
2. Take half of that number and subtract it from itself. In other words, write down the same number twice and then cross out one of them: 512 512 = ??? (
3. Keep subtracting the same number from itself until you end up with something thats less than 1024, but still pretty big (like maybe 65 or 78). This is called the “difference” and it will be our starting point for finding the square root.
4. Take half of the difference and subtract it from itself again: 32 32 = ??? (
5. Keep doing this until your “difference” is less than 10 (or at least close to it) and then stop! You’ve found the square root of 1024 using the Repeated Subtraction Method!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “This sounds like a lot of work for something that could just as easily be done with a calculator or a fancy math program.” And youre right in terms of efficiency and accuracy, there are definitely better ways to find square roots. But the Repeated Subtraction Method has its own charm (and it’s also pretty fun to do if you have nothing else going on). Plus, it can be a great way to teach kids about math concepts like halving, subtracting, and approximating all while keeping things lighthearted and engaging.
The Repeated Subtraction Method for finding square roots by hand (or at least with the help of some paper and pencil). Give it a try next time you’re feeling bored or frustrated with your math homework, and see if you can find the square root of something really big like maybe 1024 or even 10,000! Who knows? You might just surprise yourself (or at least impress your teacher) with how well you do.