Why is a square root also called a radical?

Question

I'm confused about why this mathematical operation has two different names.

Answer 1

"A radical is a root of a number. A square root is a radical. Roots can be square roots, cube roots, fourth roots and so on."

http://www.wyzant.com/help/math/algebra/square_roots_and_radicals

Hope this is of some help! :)

-Jay

Answer 2

Notice the word, "root", in square root? The word, "radical", comes from the Latin word, "radix", which means "root". "Radix" is also Latin for "radish", which is a root vegetable. So, "radical 3" is just another way of saying "the square root of 3".

 

Answer 3

I am not surprised you are confused, because it is a new term for an old operation.   We did not use the term "radical" in my math classes back in the 1950's or 1960's for anything.   Take the "square root," "cube root,"or "n^th root" operations were both concise and consistent with each other.