Using a number line, what whole numbers and rational number to the nearest half is the square root of 59 between? The choices are 8.5 and 9, 6 and 6.5, 7 and 7.5, and 7.5 and 8?

1 answer

To determine between which two numbers the square root of 59 lies, we can first find the perfect squares around 59. The perfect squares near 59 are:

  • \(7^2 = 49\)
  • \(8^2 = 64\)

Since \(49 < 59 < 64\), we can conclude that:

\[ 7 < \sqrt{59} < 8 \]

Next, we can narrow it down further by checking the midpoints:

  • \(7.5^2 = 56.25\)
  • \(8^2 = 64\)

Since \(56.25 < 59 < 64\), this implies that:

\[ 7.5 < \sqrt{59} < 8 \]

Now, we can compare this to the provided options for rational numbers rounded to the nearest half:

  • 8.5 and 9
  • 6 and 6.5
  • 7 and 7.5
  • 7.5 and 8

From our evaluation, we found that \(\sqrt{59}\) is between 7.5 and 8. Therefore, the correct choice is:

7.5 and 8.