Article ID: 67184 - Last Review: September 24, 2011 - Revision: 3.0

Square Root (sqrt) in Calculator's Scientific Mode

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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.
  2. Press the (x^y) button.
  3. Type 0.5 or .5.
  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.
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
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KB67184