I am having issues performing a simple function on my TI-30XS calculator. when I square a negative number - I get a negative number as opposed to a positive number?? example -3 - which I specify the negative using the (-) to the left of the enter key, then I select the number key 3 - then I hit the x2 key to the left of the number 7.. and I hit enter and it displays -9? What the heck am I doing wrong?

The key is marked (-) and is just to the right of the decimal point key.

You've got two different issues here.

Square root of 39 IS the exact answer, as the result will be a surd (an irrational number with too many - or potentially infinite decimal places).

If you have been asked to round or show your answer to a number of decimal places then you use the answer toggle (the opposing arrows button above enter) to receive an approximation - a rounded answer (6.24 to two d.p. if you were to multiply these together you will see it is close to 39, but not EXACT, because it has been rounded already). You can also press the answer toggle again to see a longer decimal, but again this is rounded and not exact

Use the change sign key marked (-) or +/-. Press the (-) key then the number.

There isn't one. You have to use the old eyeball. If the number on the screen is positive, leave it alone. If it's negative, change the sign.

Use the toggle button above the enter key. It looks like 2 arrows

Hello,
You are not using the right syntax. It has to do with priority of operations. raising a number to a power has priority over the negation sign (the change sign key). Th operations you are performing are treated as follows.
1. The square of 2 is calculated first (4),
2. then the negation (change sign) is performed, giving -4.

To get what you intend, namely the square of a negative number, you should enter the calculation as follows.
(-2)^2.
Since the parentheses have priority over everything else, the negation of 2 is calculated first, giving -2, then the power is performed next, and the result should be 4

If you need convincing, here is a screen capture.



Hope it helps.

1.enter # 2 be squared then press the button next 2 [7]
2.http://movies.atomiclearning.com/movie/k12/31253/play

You must put all negative numbers in Parenthesis otherwise your calculator is not squaring the negative .

U cant.
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