How to Make a Radical Sign

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The radical sign is the one that looks like a check mark with a shelf.

You are typing away on your computer doing your math homework and you have come to a point where you need to indicate a square root. Square roots are indicated with what is known as a radical sign, but standard keyboards definitely do not include a radical sign key. Do not fear, as the radical sign can be inserted via a drop down menu in Word, or by using a special key code. The special key code differs depending on whether you have a Mac or a PC.

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Step 1

Place your cursor in the place on your page where you want the radical sign.

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Step 2

Click on "Insert" in the menu bar.

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Step 3

Click on "Symbol." Either a drop down menu or a window with a grid of many symbols will appear, depending on what version of Microsoft Office you have.

Step 4

For versions that have a symbols window, locate the radical sign in the grid of symbols and click to highlight it. Then click on the "Insert" button in the bottom right-hand corner of the window to insert a radical sign in the document. For versions that have a symbols drop down menu, locate the radical sign in the list and click on it to insert a radical sign.

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Mac Key Code

Step 1

Place your cursor in the place on your page where you want the radical sign.

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Step 2

Hold down the "Option" key.

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Step 3

Type the letter V to insert a radical sign.

PC Key Code

Step 1

Place your cursor in the place on your page where you want the radical sign.

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Step 2

Hold down the "ALT" key.

Step 3

Type 251.

Step 4

Release the "ALT" key to insert a radical sign.

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