To find the square root of 16, we need to determine what number, when multiplied by itself, gives us 16.
Let's denote this unknown number by [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. Therefore, we need to solve the equation:
[tex]\[
x^2 = 16
\][/tex]
To isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex], we take the square root of both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
x = \sqrt{16}
\][/tex]
The principal (or positive) square root of 16 is the number which, when squared, equals 16.
Considering the properties of squares and square roots, we know:
[tex]\[
4 \times 4 = 16
\][/tex]
Thus, the square root of 16 is 4. Therefore:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{16} = 4
\][/tex]
Hence, the square root of 16 is [tex]\( 4.0 \)[/tex].
