In a mathematical formula, what does the symbol √ signify?

The symbol √ is universally recognized as representing the square root in mathematical contexts. The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 9 is 3 because 3 x 3 equals 9. Understanding this concept is fundamental in various fields, including plumbing, where it may come into play when calculating areas or volumes that involve squares.

In contrast, the other options represent different mathematical concepts. The term "square" refers to raising a number to the power of 2, while "cube root" refers to the value that, when cubed (multiplied by itself twice), gives the original number. Exponentiation is the operation of raising a base to a certain power, which encompasses a wider range of calculations, including squares and cubes. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the √ symbol is specifically as the square root.