Suppose that you have a calculator that can only compute square roots. You need to calculate 7 to the 1/8 power. Remember that you do not have an exponent key. Explain how you could do this with this calculator. Explain why your method would work.

Question

Suppose that you have a calculator that can only compute square roots. You need to calculate 7 to the 1/8 power. Remember that you do not have an exponent key.  Explain how you could do this with this calculator. Explain why your method would work.

anonymous · Answer

$$a ^{1/x} = \sqrt[x]{a}$$$$7^{1/8}=\sqrt[8]{7}$$

anonymous · Answer

Thats what I thought but can you put that into a calculator?

anonymous · Answer

Yes.

All you need is a $$\sqrt[n]{x}$$ key.

anonymous · Answer

oh.. I dont think I have that button. Thank you again :)

anonymous · Answer

I'm sorry - It depends on what type of calculator you have.
Most graphing and scientific calculators have that key...

anonymous · Answer

well I have the TI-83, Im probly just blind.. it took me 2 days to realize I had the LN button.. lol

anonymous · Answer

For the TI - 83:

Click the MATH button (below ALPHA).
Then select the key I showed above.

I have the TI - 84 and the key is #5 in MATH.

anonymous · Answer

Ohh.. Isnt that snazzy, your the best :)

anonymous · Answer

My pleasure :)