Universal Powers and Roots

The universal power and universal root functions calculate any power or root value of a positive number. They will also calculate integral powers of negative numbers. Both functions are pending operations that must be completed by entering an operation key.

Universal Powers

You can use the universal power key [ yˣ ] to raise a positive number to any power. You can also raise a negative number to an integer power. The power can be either negative or positive.

To use the universal power function:

Enter the number (the y value) you want raised to a power.
Press [ yˣ ].
Enter the power (the x value).
Press any operation key to complete the calculation.

Example

Calculate 3.1⁴·⁷ and -3.1⁴

Procedure	Press	Display
Clear display	[ CLEAR ]
Enter positive y value	3.1 [ yˣ ]
Enter x value	4.7
Complete the operation	[ = ]
Enter negative y value	3.1 [ +/- ] [ yˣ ]
Enter integer x value	4
Complete the operation	[ = ]

Universal Roots

You can use the universal root function [ INV ] [ yˣ ] to determine any root (positive or negative) of a positive number. You can also determine a root of a negative number if the reciprocal of the root is an integer.

To use the universal root function:

Enter the number (the y value) and press [ INV ] [ yˣ ].
Enter the root (the x value).
Press any operation key to complete the calculation.

Example

Calculate ⁻³·⁸√21 and ·⁵√-21 .

Procedure	Press	Display
Clear display	[ CLEAR ]
Enter positive y value	21 [ INV ] [ yˣ ]
Enter negative x value	3.8 [ +/- ]
Complete the operation	[ = ]
Enter negative y value	21 [ +/- ] [ INV ] [ yˣ ]
Enter x value	0.5
Complete the operation	[ = ]