It's not clear what a 'regular scientific calculator' means. Some calculators use algebraic entry; some use reverse Polish notation (primarily the HP brand).bballwaterboy said:Suppose you have 8-1/3 and want a precise value for it. How would you go about calculating this on a regular scientific calculator.
I punched in:
8, then the exponent button, then 1, then negative, then division, and finally 3. The calculator reads "error."
A fractional exponent is a way to represent a power that is not a whole number. It is written in the form of a fraction, where the numerator is the power and the denominator is the root. For example, 2^(1/2) represents the square root of 2.
To do fractional exponents on a basic scientific calculator, use the "^" or "x^y" button. Enter the base number, then press the "^" button, followed by the numerator of the fractional exponent. Then press the "/" button, followed by the denominator of the fractional exponent. Finally, press the "=" button to get the result.
Yes, you can use negative numbers as the base or exponent in fractional exponents. Just be sure to enclose the negative number in parentheses before entering the fractional exponent. For example, (-2)^(1/3) represents the cubed root of -2.
A fractional exponent and a radical both represent roots, but they are written differently. A fractional exponent is written as a power with a fraction, while a radical is written as a symbol (√) with a number inside. They both represent the same operation, so you can convert between them by using the power and root buttons on your calculator.
Yes, fractional exponents can be used to solve equations. They can be used to simplify expressions and solve for unknown variables. Just like with regular exponents, you can use the properties of exponents to manipulate equations with fractional exponents.