Cube Root On Standard Calculator
From the identity
there is a simple method to compute cube roots using a non-scientific calculator, using only the multiplication and square root buttons, after the number is on the display. No memory is required.
- Press the square root button once. (Note that the last step will take care of this strange start.)
- Press the multiplication button.
- Press the square root button twice.
- Press the multiplication button.
- Press the square root button four times.
- Press the multiplication button.
- Press the square root button eight times.
- Press the multiplication button...
This process continues until the number does not change after pressing the multiplication button because the repeated square root gives 1 (this means that the solution has been figured to as many significant digits as the calculator can handle). Then:
- Press the square root button one last time.
At this point an approximation of the cube root of the original number will be shown in the display.
If the first multiplication is replaced by division, instead of the cube root, the fifth root will be shown on the display.
Read more about this topic: Cube Root
Famous quotes containing the words root, standard and/or calculator:
“A radical generally meant a man who thought he could somehow pull up the root without affecting the flower. A conservative generally meant a man who wanted to conserve everything except his own reason for conserving anything.”
—Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936)
“We don’t want bores in the theatre. We don’t want standardised acting, standard actors with standard-shaped legs. Acting needs everybody, cripples, dwarfs and people with noses so long. Give us something that is different.”
—Dame Sybil Thorndike (1882–1976)
“Man is a stream whose source is hidden. Our being is descending into us from we know not whence. The most exact calculator has no prescience that somewhat incalculable may not balk the very next moment. I am constrained every moment to acknowledge a higher origin for events than the will I call mine.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)