Introduction
Before we proceed, it's crucial to note that calculating the square root of a number from scratch is indeed possible, although it's not the focus of this post.
Instead, we'll explore how to efficiently calculate the square root using the sqrt method, which is available in both the Math module and the Integer class.
Solutions
To calculate the square root, you have two options:
Using Integer class
Integer.sqrt(number)
Using Math module
Math.sqrt(number)
Syntax
Integer class
Integer.sqrt(number)
Math module
Math.sqrt(number)
Parameters
Both Integer.sqrt() and Math.sqrt() require a non-negative number as a parameter. It's essential to be aware that the Math module treats the parameter as a float type, while the Integer class considers it an integer type.
If the parameter passed to Integer.sqrt() is not an integer (e.g., a float or a string), it will be converted to an integer before the square root is calculated. Similarly, for the Math.sqrt() method, the parameter is converted to a float first.
Errors
However, when dealing with string parameters, complications arise. If the parameter is a string, a TypeError will be raised.
It's crucial to handle such scenarios to avoid unexpected errors in your code.
A TypeError is returned if the parameter value is a String.
irb(main):006:0> Integer.sqrt('4')
Traceback (most recent call last):
6: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `<main>'
5: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `load'
4: from /var/lib/gems/2.5.0/gems/irb-1.1.0/exe/irb:11:in `<top (required)>'
3: from (irb):5
2: from (irb):6:in `rescue in irb_binding'
1: from (irb):6:in `sqrt'
TypeError (no implicit conversion of String into Integer)
irb(main):007:0> Math.sqrt('4.0')
Traceback (most recent call last):
6: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `<main>'
5: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `load'
4: from /var/lib/gems/2.5.0/gems/irb-1.1.0/exe/irb:11:in `<top (required)>'
3: from (irb):6
2: from (irb):7:in `rescue in irb_binding'
1: from (irb):7:in `sqrt'
TypeError (can't convert String into Float)
A Math::DomainError is returned if a negative value is used as a parameter.
irb(main):001:0> Integer.sqrt(-2)
Traceback (most recent call last):
5: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `<main>'
4: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `load'
3: from /var/lib/gems/2.5.0/gems/irb-1.1.0/exe/irb:11:in `<top (required)>'
2: from (irb):1
1: from (irb):1:in `sqrt'
Math::DomainError (Numerical argument is out of domain - "isqrt")
irb(main):002:0> Math.sqrt(-2)
Traceback (most recent call last):
6: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `<main>'
5: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `load'
4: from /var/lib/gems/2.5.0/gems/irb-1.1.0/exe/irb:11:in `<top (required)>'
3: from (irb):1
2: from (irb):2:in `rescue in irb_binding'
1: from (irb):2:in `sqrt'
Math::DomainError (Numerical argument is out of domain - "sqrt")
An ArgumentError is returned if the given number of parameters is different than 1, since it is expected 1 parameter.
irb(main):010:0> Integer.sqrt
Traceback (most recent call last):
6: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `<main>'
5: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `load'
4: from /var/lib/gems/2.5.0/gems/irb-1.1.0/exe/irb:11:in `<top (required)>'
3: from (irb):9
2: from (irb):10:in `rescue in irb_binding'
1: from (irb):10:in `sqrt'
ArgumentError (wrong number of arguments (given 0, expected 1))
irb(main):011:0> Math.sqrt
Traceback (most recent call last):
6: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `<main>'
5: from /usr/local/bin/irb:23:in `load'
4: from /var/lib/gems/2.5.0/gems/irb-1.1.0/exe/irb:11:in `<top (required)>'
3: from (irb):10
2: from (irb):11:in `rescue in irb_binding'
1: from (irb):11:in `sqrt'
ArgumentError (wrong number of arguments (given 0, expected 1))
Return Value
Integer.sqrt()
The Integer.sqrt() method returns the integer square root of the non-negative integer parameter.
For example, the largest non-negative integer square root of 5 is 2. This method specifically returns the largest integer number.
irb(main):001:0> Integer.sqrt(1)
=> 1
irb(main):002:0> Integer.sqrt(2)
=> 1
irb(main):003:0> Integer.sqrt(3)
=> 1
irb(main):004:0> Integer.sqrt(4)
=> 2
irb(main):005:0> Integer.sqrt(5)
=> 2
The square root of 2 is 1.4142135623730951, but since the Integer.sqrt() method specifically deals with integers, it returns the largest integer, which is 1.
Math.sqrt()
On the other hand, the Math.sqrt() method is capable of returning a float value.
irb(main):006:0> Math.sqrt(1)
=> 1.0
irb(main):007:0> Math.sqrt(2)
=> 1.4142135623730951
irb(main):008:0> Math.sqrt(3)
=> 1.7320508075688772
irb(main):009:0> Math.sqrt(4)
=> 2.0
Here, Math.sqrt() provides the accurate square root, including decimal values.
Conclusion
In summary, when precision with decimal values is required, the Math.sqrt() method is the preferable choice.
If you specifically need the largest integer result, Integer.sqrt() is suitable. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or further inquiries.
Done
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Final thoughts
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