To find the principal square root of 64, we are looking for the positive number that, when multiplied by itself, gives 64. The principal square root is always the non-negative root.
1. We know the definition of a square root: if [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is the square root of 64, then [tex]\( x^2 = 64 \)[/tex].
2. To identify this number, let's consider positive numbers whose square could equal 64.
3. Testing the number 8: [tex]\( 8 \times 8 = 64 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the principal square root of 64 is 8.
The correct answer is:
C. 8
