Answer :

To find the square root of 16, we need to determine what number, when multiplied by itself, gives us 16.

Let's denote this unknown number by [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. Therefore, we need to solve the equation:

[tex]\[ x^2 = 16 \][/tex]

To isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex], we take the square root of both sides of the equation:

[tex]\[ x = \sqrt{16} \][/tex]

The principal (or positive) square root of 16 is the number which, when squared, equals 16.

Considering the properties of squares and square roots, we know:

[tex]\[ 4 \times 4 = 16 \][/tex]

Thus, the square root of 16 is 4. Therefore:

[tex]\[ \sqrt{16} = 4 \][/tex]

Hence, the square root of 16 is [tex]\( 4.0 \)[/tex].