Solution 11826: Calculating nth Power and Roots Using the TI-89 Family, TI-92 Family, and Voyage™ 200 Graphing Calculators.
How do I perform nth power and root computations using the TI-89 family, TI-92 family, and Voyage™ 200 graphing calculators?
The instructions will detail how to perform the nth power and root computations on the TI-89 family, TI-92 family, and Voyage 200.
Powers
To raise a number by an exponent, use the carat (^) key, located above the division key. For example, to raise 3 to the 4th power, press [3][^][4][ENTER] for the result of 81. And, to find -22, enter (-2)^2.
Roots
Taking the nth root of a number is the same as raising the number to the 1/x power. Refer to the examples provided below.
Example: Find the cube root of 27
1) Enter 27 and press [^].
2) Press [(] and enter 1.
3) Press [÷], enter 3 and press [ )] [ENTER].
The screen will display 3.
Example: Find the cube root of -27
1) Press [( ] [(-)] and enter 27.
2) Press [ )] [^] [( ] and enter 1.
3) Press [÷], enter 3, and press [ )] [ENTER].
The screen will display -3.
OS 3.10 has a built in root function. The steps provided below can also be used for the TI-89 Titanium or Voyage 200 with OS 3.10 or higher to calculate the cube root of 27.
1) From the HOME screen, press [GREEN DIAMOND] [9] and the root( function will populate in the entry line.
2) Input 27, press [,] and enter 3.
3) Press [)] [ENTER].
The screen will display 3.
Please Note: It is necessary to put parentheses around the negative number because these calculators evaluate negation with the same priority as multiplying by a negative 1. This must be done before the number is raised to the exponent
Please see the TI-89 family and Voyage 200 guidebooks for additional information.