The value of $$\sqrt{0.4}$$ is
Aptitude
Square Root and Cube Root
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A0.02
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B0.2
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C0.51
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D0.63
Answer
Correct Answer: 0.63
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
When finding the square root of a decimal with an odd number of decimal places, convert it to a fraction with a denominator that is a perfect square (like $100$ or $10000$) to accurately estimate the numerator's root.
### Step-by-Step Solution
Convert the decimal $0.4$ into a fraction:
$$\sqrt{0.4} = \sqrt{\frac{4}{10}}$$
Multiply the numerator and denominator by $10$ to make the denominator a perfect square:
$$\sqrt{\frac{40}{100}} = \frac{\sqrt{40}}{\sqrt{100}} = \frac{\sqrt{40}}{10}$$
Estimate the value of $\sqrt{40}$:
We know that $6^2 = 36$ and $7^2 = 49$.
Since $40$ is closer to $36$, $\sqrt{40} \approx 6.32$.
Substitute the estimation back into the fraction:
$$\frac{6.32}{10} = 0.632$$
Rounding to two decimal places, we get $0.63$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Never assume $\sqrt{0.4} = 0.2$. Instead, immediately shift the decimal point two places to the right to think in terms of out-of-100: $\sqrt{0.4} = \sqrt{40\%}$. The square root of $40$ is slightly more than $6$, so the decimal answer must be slightly more than $0.6$. Option (d) $0.63$ matches instantly.
### Common Pitfall
The most common mistake is incorrectly evaluating $\sqrt{0.4}$ as $0.2$ by ignoring decimal place parity. Remember that $(0.2)^2 = 0.04$, not $0.4$.
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 0.63.**