Review exponents. Once you have a solid understanding of what an exponent is, square roots are easily understood as their opposite. The exponent or power is a number that tells us how many times to multiply the base by itself.
Work through a few sample problems using exponents. For example:
2 to the power of 2 is 2x2 = 4; 3 to the power of 2 is 3x3 = 9; 4 to the power of 2 is 4x4 = 16
Reverse the process. Once you have mastered exponents, the square root is the exact opposite and much simpler to understand. Take one of the examples used in step 2: 4 to the power of 2 = 16; so √16 = 4
Perfect squares are those that result in a solution that is a whole number, without a decimal.
Use the estimate method to determine square roots that are not perfect squares. Begin your estimate by finding two perfect square roots your number is between. Divide your number by one of those square roots. Then take the average of the result of your second step and the root. Use the result of your third step to repeat steps two and three until you have a number that is accurate enough for you. Check your work with a calculator, entering the number and then pressing the square root button.
Practice more exponent and square root problems. Math problems and concepts become second nature by working through practice problems.