1. Exponents & Powers (xⁿ)

Use the xⁿ (caret ^) button for exponentiation.

Problem: Calculate 2⁵

Step 1: Press 2
Step 2: Press xⁿ
Step 3: Press 5
Step 4: Press enter

Result Output: 32

TI-34 simulator: keys for 2⁵ numbered in order, result 32

2. Square Roots (√x)

Calculate exact square roots using the √ button.

Problem: Calculate √144

Step 1: Press √
Step 2: Press 1 4 4
Step 3: Press )
Step 4: Press enter

Result Output: 12

TI-34 simulator: keys for √144 numbered in order, result 12

Deeper Explanation

The keypad performs three operations that are related, yet differ from each other: x² is squaring the value, xⁿ is raising to the power, which can be set in the process of entering a calculation, and √ is a square root. The operation that follows the xⁿ sign acts on the entry that comes immediately before the xⁿ sign. Thus, an expression consisting of more than one operation requires parentheses to make the calculator understand what element the exponent belongs to. Negative exponents and roots from negative numbers act as they would be calculated by hand — the negative exponent gives a reciprocal and a negative square root is imaginary, hence no result is given.

More Worked Examples

Squaring a sum

Problem: (4 + 3)²

Enter (, 4, +, 3, ), then x², then enter.

Result: 49

Negative exponent

Problem: 2⁻³

Enter 2, xⁿ, (-), 3, then enter.

Result: 0.125

Nested roots and powers

Problem: √(9) + 3²

Enter √, 9, ), +, 3, x², then enter.

Result: 12

Common Mistakes & Tips

If there are no parentheses, the calculator will apply the exponent to just the term preceding the xⁿ button and not the whole expression — make sure to include parentheses around the base with multiple terms.
Lack of a closing parenthesis after the square root function is one of the most frequent input mistakes, since the calculator must determine what exactly is inside the root.
It should be noted that x⁻¹ computes the reciprocal (1 ÷ value), while xⁿ applied to a negative number provides a negative power calculation.

Guide FAQs

Q: How do I input a negative exponent?

Type xⁿ for the exponent and use the (-) button and not the subtract button to make it a negative exponent — such as 2, xⁿ, (-), 3 for 2⁻³.

Q: Why do I need to use parentheses when finding the square of an addition?

The x² and xⁿ buttons work on only the single number next to them. When you use brackets to write an expression like (4+3), you are telling the calculator that the whole sum is your base.

Q: What if I want to get the square root of a negative number?

You would get an error, because there is no square root of a negative number.