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
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