Working with Numbers on the Graphing Calculator

Things to keep in mind when using your graphing calculator with exponents (powers):

To SQUARE a value: (or raise to a power of 2)

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The caret symbol (^) can be used to raise a value to any power.

Classic Mode:
seeexp
Squaring can be accomplished by using the
"squared" key or by raising the value to the
power of 2 with the use of the ^ (caret) symbol.

MathPrint mode: the ^ (caret) will move you up to the exponent position. Type the 2. Now, you will REMAIN up in the exponent position until you hit the right arrow to return to the base line.

Simply hitting ENTER after the 2 will engage the squaring process, BUT... get in the habit of using the right arrow after entering exponents, as you will need this skill on future problems.

To CUBE a value: (or raise to a power of 3)

cube1

Classic Mode and
MathPrint Mode:
To raise to a power of three, you can utilize a special "cubing" function under the MATH key #3, or you can use the ^ (caret) symbol.

cube2

Remember, when using MathPrint Mode, the ^ (caret) will place the exponent in the raised position. Use your right arrow to leave this position and return to base line entry.

To RAISE to ANY value:

Classic Mode
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** Notice the need for parentheses when raising to a fractional power.

To raise to any power,
utilize the ^ (caret) symbol.

Notice how raising to the zero power created an answer of 1.

MathPrint Mode
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** Remember to use the right arrow to "leave" the raised exponent area.

In BOTH modes: Notice the need of parentheses when raising a negative number to a power. Remember, -3⁴ is not the same as (-3)⁴.