Square Root (sqrt) in Calculator's Scientific Mode

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q67184
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

In the scientific mode of the Microsoft Windows Calculator application, the square root button (sqrt) disappears.

To mathematically perform the square root function in the scientific mode, use the (x^y) button as the following example demonstrates. To calculate the square root of 144, do the following:

  1. Type "144" (without the quotation marks).

  2. Press the (x^y) button.

  3. Type "0.5" or ".5" (without the quotation marks).

  4. Press the equal sign (=) button or another operator button.

The number 12, the square root of 144, should be the result displayed.

MORE INFORMATION

Mathematically, you can rewrite the square root of a number (x in the example below) in the following manner to obtain an equivalent equation: 

      _____
1.  \/ x        is equal to...

     2_____
2.  \/ x^1      which is equal to...


      (1/2)           (.5)
3.  x^          or  x^
NOTE: The equation in step 3 represents the (x^y) button; therefore, it can be used as the equivalent substitution for the (sqrt) button.

KBCategory: kbusage kbtool
KBSubcategory: win30 win31 wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: calc 3.00 3.00a 3.10 3.11

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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