C sqrt() Function

The sqrt() function in C is a standard library function that computes the square root of a given number. It is part of the C standard library (math.h). This function is useful for performing square root calculations.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. sqrt() Function Syntax
  3. Understanding sqrt() Function
  4. Examples
    • Computing the Square Root of a Value
    • Using sqrt() with User Input
  5. Real-World Use Case
  6. Conclusion

Introduction

The sqrt() function calculates the square root of a given number ( x ). The square root is the value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. This function is widely used in mathematical computations, physics, and engineering applications.

sqrt() Function Syntax

The syntax for the sqrt() function is as follows:

#include <math.h>
double sqrt(double x);

Parameters:

  • x: The value for which the square root is to be computed. The value must be non-negative.

Returns:

  • The function returns the square root of the value x.

Understanding sqrt() Function

The sqrt() function takes a non-negative value ( x ) as input and returns the square root of that value. If the input value is negative, the function will return a domain error.

Examples

Computing the Square Root of a Value

To demonstrate how to use sqrt() to compute the square root of a value, we will write a simple program.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>

int main() {
    double value = 16.0;

    // Compute the square root of the value
    double result = sqrt(value);

    // Print the result
    printf("Square root of %.2f is: %.2f\n", value, result);

    return 0;
}

Output:

Square root of 16.00 is: 4.00

Using sqrt() with User Input

This example shows how to use sqrt() to compute the square root of a value provided by the user.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>

int main() {
    double value;

    // Get user input for the value
    printf("Enter a non-negative value: ");
    scanf("%lf", &value);

    // Check if the input value is valid
    if (value < 0) {
        printf("Invalid input! Please enter a non-negative value.\n");
        return 1;
    }

    // Compute the square root of the value
    double result = sqrt(value);

    // Print the result
    printf("Square root of %.2f is: %.2f\n", value, result);

    return 0;
}

Output (example user input "25.0"):

Enter a non-negative value: 25.0
Square root of 25.00 is: 5.00

Real-World Use Case

Calculating the Hypotenuse of a Right Triangle

In real-world applications, the sqrt() function can be used to calculate the hypotenuse of a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem.

Example: Calculating the Hypotenuse

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>

int main() {
    double a, b, hypotenuse;

    // Get user input for the lengths of the legs of the triangle
    printf("Enter the length of side a: ");
    scanf("%lf", &a);
    printf("Enter the length of side b: ");
    scanf("%lf", &b);

    // Calculate the hypotenuse using the Pythagorean theorem
    hypotenuse = sqrt(a * a + b * b);

    // Print the result
    printf("The hypotenuse of the triangle is: %.2f\n", hypotenuse);

    return 0;
}

Output (example user input side a "3.0" and side b "4.0"):

Enter the length of side a: 3.0
Enter the length of side b: 4.0
The hypotenuse of the triangle is: 5.00

Conclusion

The sqrt() function is essential for computing the square root of a value in C. It is useful in various mathematical calculations, particularly in fields like mathematics, physics, and engineering, where square root calculations are common.

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