Ever wonder how to compute a square root? What if you had no calculator at hand?

This paper explores the Bablyonian Algorithm (also known as Heron's Algorithm after the first-century Greek mathematician Hero of Alexandria who lived ~10 - 70 AD) for finding the square root of a real number. The algorithm is simple in concept and can actually be quite easily implemented by hand, should that be necessary.

This paper also introduces the concept of numerical analysis: solutions to mathematical problems, especially those with no closed form solutions, can be solved using iterative techniques. In addition, this paper highlights the idea that root-finding is quite useful in solving problems of all kinds.

Square Root Estimation - Babylonian Algorithm

An interactive application was also developed to help the reader explore and understand the Bablyonian algorithm (note: please exit the application when not using):

Interactive Application