How to teach square numbers

Grade 4 to Grade 6

A square number is the result of multiplying a whole number by itself, so 6 squared (6²) is 6 × 6 = 36. They are called square numbers because that many dots or tiles form a perfect square. Recognising them fluently helps with area, factors and later work with square roots.

How to teach it

1. Make it visual: build squares of tiles (2×2, 3×3, 4×4) and count the total , that total is the square number.
2. Introduce the notation: 6² means 6 × 6, not 6 × 2.
3. Learn the first perfect squares to 144 (1, 4, 9, 16, 25 …) by heart, like times-table facts.
4. Practise both ways: work out a square (7² = ?) and find which number was squared (which number squared is 49?).
5. Link it to area , the area of a square with side 6 is 6² = 36 square units.

Common mistakes

• Reading 6² as 6 × 2 = 12 instead of 6 × 6 = 36.
• Confusing a square number with doubling.
• Forgetting the units are 'square' units when linking to area.