Square and Cube Numbers
Square numbers are found by multiplying a number by itself, and cube numbers by multiplying it by itself three times.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
A square number is the result of multiplying an integer by itself: e.g. 4 × 4 = 16 (written 4²)
The first five square numbers are 1, 4, 9, 16, 25
A cube number is the result of multiplying an integer by itself twice more: e.g. 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 (written 3³)
Square numbers can be shown as dot arrays forming perfect squares; cube numbers form 3-D cubes
Key Vocabulary
Square number
A number made by multiplying an integer by itself (e.g. 5² = 25)
Cube number
A number made by multiplying an integer by itself three times (e.g. 2³ = 8)
Exponent
A small raised number that shows how many times the base is multiplied by itself
Base
The number being multiplied in an expression with an exponent
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What is 7²?
Question 2
Which of the following is a cube number?
Question 3
What is the value of 4³?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A square number is the result of multiplying an integer by itself: e.g. 4 × 4 = 16 (written 4²)
- ●The first five square numbers are 1, 4, 9, 16, 25
- ●A cube number is the result of multiplying an integer by itself twice more: e.g. 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 (written 3³)
- ●Square numbers can be shown as dot arrays forming perfect squares; cube numbers form 3-D cubes