Exact Constructive Digit-by-Digit Algorithms for Integer $e$-th Root Extraction
Abstract
We present a unified constructive digit-by-digit framework for exact root extraction using only integer arithmetic. The core contribution is a complete correctness theory for the fractional square root algorithm, proving that each computed decimal digit is exact and final, together with a sharp truncation error bound of after digits. We further develop an invariant-based framework for computing the integer -th root of a non-negative integer for arbitrary fixed exponents , derived directly from the binomial theorem. This method generalizes the classical long-division square root algorithm, preserves a constructive remainder invariant throughout the computation, and provides an exact decision procedure for perfect -th power detection. We also explain why exact digit-by-digit fractional extraction with non-revisable digits is structurally possible only for square roots (), whereas higher-order roots () exhibit nonlinear coupling that prevents digit stability under scaling. All proofs are carried out in a constructive, algorithmic manner consistent with Bishop-style constructive mathematics, yielding explicit algorithmic witnesses, decidable predicates, and guaranteed termination. The resulting algorithms require no division or floating-point operations and are well suited to symbolic computation, verified exact arithmetic, educational exposition, and digital hardware implementation.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2601.02703,
title = {Exact Constructive Digit-by-Digit Algorithms for Integer $e$-th Root Extraction},
author = {Suresan Pareth},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2601.02703},
year = {2026}
}