8th Grade · The Number System
Perfect Square
8.EE.A.2 · 8.NS.A.2
Definition
A number that equals an integer multiplied by itself. The square root of a perfect square is a whole number.
Examples
- 16 is a perfect square because 4×4=16.
- 20 is NOT a perfect square — √20 ≈ 4.47, irrational.
Key rule
The square root of a perfect square is always a whole number.
Memory hook
A whole number times itself.