How do I raise number to the 1/2 power????

Question

agreene · Answer

$$a^{1/2}=\sqrt a$$
does that help?

anonymous · Answer

I know that it means sq root. but I actually want to know how to raise a number to a 1/2

agreene · Answer

you mean, you want to know how to find a square root?

anonymous · Answer

How would I solve 7 ^1/2??

agreene · Answer

Well, there are three options.
#1: don't. It is irrational thereby meaning 7^(1/2) is in its most exact form.
#2: use a calculator with a sqrt button
#3: try to estimate it...
2*2=4 which is less than 7
3*3=6 which is more than 7. It can't be more than 7 so we know it is 2.something
2.1*2.1=4.41
2.9*2.9=8.41 which is more so it cant be this one
2.6*2.6= 6.76 thats really close but less than 7.
2.7*2.7= 7.29 too much, must be 2.6
Now we are at 2.6.....
2.64*2.64 = 6.9696  really really close :D
2.65*2.65 = 7.0225  too much... must be 2.64....

keep doing that until you're happy.