Question 175544
What does the little number inside the "v" of the square root sign mean? 
I'm trying to help my son & don't remember ever learning that one. 
example:
square root of -8 with a little "3" in the "v" 
--------------
That "little v" is really a "little r" and means root.
If there is no number it means square root.
If there is a 3, it means cube root, or 3rd root.
--------------
Your Problem
cube root of -8 is -2 because (-2)(-2)(-2) = -8
=============================
Cheers,
Stan H.