Question

Write each of the numbers 1, 4, 9, 16, and 25 as a base raised to the second power. Explain why these numbers are sometimes called "perfect squares"

Answer 1

First, we can raise each number to the second power by multipying it by itself. :)
1^2=1
4^2=16
9^2=81
16^2=256

These numbers are called "perfect squares" because their square roots are whole numbers, rather than decimals. For example, If you had a square with an area of 16, the side legnths of the square would be the whole (thus "perfect") number 4. For this reason, 16 (4^2) is considered a "perfect square" number. I hope that makes sense!! :)