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How to Use Cube Root on Scientific Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

The cube root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives the original number. Scientific calculators provide a direct way to compute cube roots without manual calculations. This guide explains how to use the cube root function on a scientific calculator and provides practical examples.

How to Find Cube Root on a Scientific Calculator

Most scientific calculators have a dedicated cube root function, often represented by a symbol like ∛ or a key labeled "x³". Here's how to use it:

  1. Turn on your scientific calculator and clear any previous calculations.
  2. Enter the number for which you want to find the cube root.
  3. Locate the cube root function (∛ or x³).
  4. Press the cube root key. Some calculators require you to press the function key (often labeled "2nd" or "shift") before pressing the cube root key.
  5. The calculator will display the cube root of the entered number.

Note: If your calculator doesn't have a dedicated cube root key, you can calculate it using the exponent function (yˣ) by entering 1/3 as the exponent.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding Cube Root Using the ∛ Key

  1. Press the "ON/C" button to clear the calculator.
  2. Enter the number you want to find the cube root of (e.g., 27).
  3. Press the ∛ key (or the function key + ∛ key if required).
  4. The calculator will display the result (3 in this case).

Finding Cube Root Using Exponent Function

  1. Press the "ON/C" button to clear the calculator.
  2. Enter the number you want to find the cube root of (e.g., 64).
  3. Press the exponent key (yˣ).
  4. Enter the exponent value (1/3).
  5. Press the equals (=) key to get the result (4 in this case).

Cube Root Formula

The cube root of a number x is a number y such that:

y = ∛x or y = x^(1/3)

This means y multiplied by itself three times equals x:

y × y × y = x

For example, the cube root of 27 is 3 because 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Finding ∛8

  1. Enter 8 on the calculator.
  2. Press the ∛ key.
  3. The result is 2, because 2 × 2 × 2 = 8.

Example 2: Finding ∛125

  1. Enter 125 on the calculator.
  2. Press the ∛ key.
  3. The result is 5, because 5 × 5 × 5 = 125.

Example 3: Finding ∛1000 Using Exponent Function

  1. Enter 1000 on the calculator.
  2. Press the exponent key (yˣ).
  3. Enter 1/3 as the exponent.
  4. Press the equals (=) key.
  5. The result is 10, because 10 × 10 × 10 = 1000.

FAQ

What is the difference between square root and cube root?
The square root of a number x is a value y such that y × y = x. The cube root is a value y such that y × y × y = x. For example, √9 = 3 and ∛27 = 3.
How do I find the cube root of a negative number?
The cube root of a negative number is negative. For example, ∛(-8) = -2 because (-2) × (-2) × (-2) = -8.
What if my calculator doesn't have a cube root key?
You can use the exponent function (yˣ) by entering 1/3 as the exponent. For example, to find ∛64, enter 64, then press yˣ, then 1/3, then equals.