To estimate a decimal point in a square root calculation, what should you consider?

When estimating a decimal point in a square root calculation, considering the distance between the two nearest square numbers is crucial. This approach allows you to identify a range within which the square root of the target number lies. For instance, if you need to find the square root of a number like 20, you can recognize that it is between the square of 4 (which is 16) and the square of 5 (which is 25). This gives you the estimate that the square root of 20 is between 4 and 5.

Next, by determining how far 20 is from these squares, you can refine your estimate further. Since 20 is closer to 16 than to 25, you might estimate the square root to be closer to 4.5 rather than 5. This method allows for a more precise estimate by examining the relationship between the number in question and the nearest perfect squares, which is a pivotal aspect of understanding square roots.