unusual functions for scientific calculators

Question

I am given the equation ^1.5√(250) and am told to compute using a scientific calculator. (250 is protected by the square root sign.) My textbook gives an example similar to this. They tell me to compute ^3.28 √(50.42). They show me the following steps on how to solve such an equation on a scientific calculator:

 

Enter 50.42

Press INV and y^x  keys on the calculator

Enter 3.28

Press =

Answer 3.304

 

I have neither the INV nor the  y^x keys on my scientific calculator. Are there other keys which mean the same thing? Do you know where I could purchase a calculator with these keys?

Answer 1

A root is a fractional exponent.  For example, your regular square root can be thought of as x^1/2.

 

So you are really looking to execute 50.42^1/3.28

 

You have a few options.  You might have a ^ button that will give you an exponent.  So you might be able to enter 50.42^(1/3.28).  That should work.  The inverse button will flip a number, making 5=1/5 for example.  My inverse button looks like x^-1.  This might be an option too.

 

Things to try:

 

• 50.42^(1/3.28)
• 50.42^3.28 x^-1

 

Do you have either of those buttons?