Shortcut for Square root

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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Shortcut for Square root

by eaakbari » Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:11 am
I tried searching the subject in this forum and I got a range of answers. There seem to be a lot of method's and I am in a bigger dilemma than I was.

Experts, I have a particular handy method which I did follow earlier, please verify if this is useful in the GMAT exam.

Note: It is a rough estimate only!!

for e.g. √56

We know that the square root will lie between 7 & 8. (Since their squares are 49 & 64 respectively)

We conclude our first digit is 7.


Now we divide 56 by 7 to get 8.

We then split the difference (8-7)/2 = 0.5

And now we add it to the fist digit estimate i.e 7 +0.5 = 7.5


***Our answer will be always be a tad bit higher, so we can round below.***

Concluded answer - 7.5 , Actual - 7.48..


*Works for all numbers, however large


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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Fri Nov 09, 2012 7:31 am
Your method is fine, but I don't believe I've ever seen a GMAT math question that requires students to calculate square roots to the nearest tenth. Knowing that sqrt(56) is between 7 and 8 is all you need for the GMAT.

It's important to note that the test-makers aren't really interested in your computational skills; they're much more interested in your "number sense."

Cheers,
Brent
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by eaakbari » Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:26 am
Thanks Brent,

Your reply is much appreciated.
Whether you think you can or can't, you're right.
- Henry Ford