Square Numbers (Grades 5–6)
A square number is what you get by multiplying a whole number by itself: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 (= 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5).
Understanding square numbers
They're called "square" because that many dots form a perfect square. The gaps between them grow by the odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9…), which is a neat pattern in its own right.
Seeing it in action
Worked example
What is the 6th square number?
6 × 6 = 36.
A square number makes a square array.
A common mistake, and the fix
Doubling instead of squaring.
The 6th square number is 6 × 6 = 36, not 6 × 2 = 12. A quick check: the gap after the 5th square, 25, should be the next odd number, 11, and 25 + 11 = 36.
Try a few
The 4th square number?
Is 49 a square number?
7 × 7.
Next square after 25?
Try it in Numeris.
A short lesson, then practice with feedback on every answer.
Put the reasoning on paper.
Try six fraction, angle, perimeter and area questions with explained answers, for grades 4–6.
Free printable · 3 pagesText version (screen-reader friendly): Draw it. Explain it. Math sample
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