This is true if using division. However, the keysoft calculator is unique in that it allows for fraction input mixed with decimal and whole numbers. When I wrote a slash, I was referring to the fraction operator, not the division slash. Since keysoft recognizes a fraction as a single unit, no parentheses are necessary. That said, if anyone is using a bn older than ks7.2 (I think), Richard is right: you can achieve the same effect as fractions by placing a division problem in parentheses, as in: sqrt(64) = 64^(1/2) On newer ks versions, this could also be done: 64^1f2 where the letter f stands for the fraction operator. Richard's method is also good if you happen to use another device that does not support fractions, such as a cell phone calculator or the calculator on another notetaker.
On 1/11/11, Richard Ehrler <[email protected]> wrote: > > Alex and Joseph, > I think you left a little piece but an important one out of your formula > examples. Because of order of precedents rules, you need to place the number > after the caret in parenthesis if using a fractional value. This forces the > division inside the parenthesis to be done first. Otherwise, you end up with > a > wrong answer. For example: > cube root of 125 would be solved by either of the following methods: > > 125^(1/3)= > 125^.333333333= > > Note that in the second example with the decimal value, while parenthesis > were > not needed because there was no need to resolve a forced precedents to do > the > division there first, it took multiple threes after the decimal point to > avoid > rounding errors. Try the same line but only using a .3 after the caret and > see > what you get. > > 125^.3= > > This example will give you a wrong answer due to rounding errors. If the > number > divides out without endless carries into infinity, you don't need to use > multiple digits after the decimal point. For example, another way to get a > square root could use either of the following formulas: > > 64^(1/2)= > 64^.5= > > Using this caret method you are effectively raising a number to a power but > because the power you are raising it to is less than one, you end up with > square, cube, etc. roots. Simply use the value after the slash to find that > root value; (1/4) for forth root etc. > > Hope this helps. > Richard Ehrler > > On Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:41:24 -0500, Alex Hall wrote: > >>I believe you just raise it to 1 over the root. Examples: >>sqrt(4) = 4^1/2 >>cbrt(27) = 27^1/3 >>and so on. Remember that the fraction bar is backspace-3-4, and the >>slashes above are meant to be that, not the regular division slash. >> >>On 1/11/11, Joshua Klander <[email protected]> wrote: >>>Hi list. Is there any way to find the root of a number in the >>>scientific calculator? I know that you can find the square root, >>>but can you find the cube root, fourth root, etc? I have not seen >>>this feature in the calculator, but I figured I would ask anyway. >>>I am working with finding roots of real numbers in my Algebra >>>class, so I'm hoping there is a way to do this. > -- Have a great day, Alex (msg sent from GMail website) [email protected]; http://www.facebook.com/mehgcap ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
