Surd

Pronunciation: /sɜrd/

Definitions of surd

noun a surd is a mathematical term referring to a number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers, such as the square root of a non-square number

Example Sentences

A1 I have trouble understanding the concept of surds in my math class.

A2 The teacher explained how to simplify surds by rationalizing the denominator.

B1 Students are expected to be able to manipulate surds in algebraic expressions.

B2 The exam question required students to simplify a surd with a square root.

C1 Advanced mathematics often involves complex calculations with surds.

C2 The mathematician's research focused on the properties of surds in number theory.

Examples of surd in a Sentence

formal The mathematician explained the concept of a surd in great detail during the lecture.

informal I still don't understand how to simplify a surd in my math homework.

slang I'm so over these surds in algebra class.

figurative The complexity of the situation was like trying to simplify a surd without knowing the rules.

Grammatical Forms of surd

• past tense: surded
• plural: surds
• comparative: more surd
• superlative: most surd
• present tense: surd
• future tense: will surd
• perfect tense: have surded
• continuous tense: is surding
• singular: surd
• positive degree: surd
• infinitive: to surd
• gerund: surding
• participle: surding

Origin and Evolution of surd

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'surd' originated from the Latin word 'surdus' meaning 'deaf' or 'dull'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'surd' evolved to refer to irrational numbers in mathematics, specifically those that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers.