What is the mathematical representation of the square of a number?

The square of a number refers to the result of multiplying that number by itself. In mathematical terms, if you have a number represented as ( x ), squaring that number can be represented as ( x \times x ), which is succinctly written as ( x² ). This notation indicates that the number is raised to the exponent of 2, which is the defining characteristic of squaring.

Choosing ( √x ) signifies the square root of ( x ), not the square itself. The expression ( 2x ) represents two times the number, which is not relevant to squaring. Lastly, ( x³ ) indicates that the number is raised to the power of three, which constitutes cubing, rather than squaring. Thus, ( x² ) accurately captures the essence of squaring a number.