Cube-root

/ˈkjub rut/ noun

Definition

A number that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives the original number. The cube root of 27 is 3 because 3 × 3 × 3 = 27, written as ∛27 = 3.

Etymology

Combines 'cube' (from Greek 'kybos' meaning die or cube) with 'root.' The concept emerged from geometric problems involving cubes and volumes, with systematic study developing alongside algebra. The cube root symbol ∛ evolved as an extension of the square root symbol.

Kelly Says

Cube roots solve the three-dimensional version of the square root problem - finding the edge length of a cube with a given volume! Unlike square roots, cube roots of negative numbers are negative real numbers (∛(-8) = -2), which makes them behave more intuitively than square roots when dealing with negative inputs.

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