California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math Practice Exam

What is the square root of 144?

1. 10

2. 11

3. 12

4. 13

The correct answer is: 12

The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In this case, the square root of 144 is sought. To find the square root of 144, consider the operation: \(12 \times 12 = 144\). Thus, 12 is the number that fulfills this condition, making it the correct answer. The other numbers—10, 11, and 13—do not satisfy this equation. For instance, \(10 \times 10 = 100\), \(11 \times 11 = 121\), and \(13 \times 13 = 169\), none of which equal 144. Therefore, only 12 meets the requirement for being the square root of 144, confirming that it is the right choice.