Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
surd
noun
/sɜrd/
Definition
A mathematical term referring to an expression containing a root that cannot be simplified to a rational number.
Examples
- The square root of 2 is a surd because it cannot be simplified to a rational number.
- In mathematics, students learn how to handle surds when simplifying expressions.
- Calculating the value of the surd gives us an approximation, but it remains irrational.
Meaning
Surds are irrational numbers that are often represented in their root form, and they typically cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers.
Synonyms
- irrational number
- root
