Cal11 calculator
Search calculator...

Ti 89 Calculator Square Root

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

The TI-89 graphing calculator is a powerful tool for mathematical calculations. One of its most useful features is the ability to compute square roots. This guide explains how to calculate square roots on the TI-89 calculator, including step-by-step instructions, formulas, and practical examples.

How to Calculate Square Roots on TI-89

Calculating square roots on the TI-89 calculator is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn on your TI-89 calculator and ensure it's in the home screen.
  2. Press the 2ND key and then the MATH key to access the math functions menu.
  3. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Math option and press ENTER.
  4. Scroll down to the √( (square root) function and press ENTER.
  5. Enter the number for which you want to calculate the square root. For example, type 25.
  6. Press the ) key to close the square root function.
  7. The calculator will display the square root of the entered number. For 25, it will show 5.

Note: The TI-89 calculator can handle both positive and negative numbers for square roots. However, it will display the principal (non-negative) square root.

Square Root Formula

The square root of a number \( x \) is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives \( x \). Mathematically, this is represented as:

\( \sqrt{x} = y \) where \( y^2 = x \)

For example, the square root of 16 is 4 because \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \).

Worked Examples

Let's look at a few examples of calculating square roots on the TI-89 calculator.

Example 1: Square Root of 36

  1. Press 2ND then MATH.
  2. Select √(.
  3. Enter 36.
  4. Press ).
  5. The calculator displays 6.

Example 2: Square Root of 0.25

  1. Press 2ND then MATH.
  2. Select √(.
  3. Enter 0.25.
  4. Press ).
  5. The calculator displays 0.5.

Example 3: Square Root of 144

  1. Press 2ND then MATH.
  2. Select √(.
  3. Enter 144.
  4. Press ).
  5. The calculator displays 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the TI-89 calculator compute square roots of negative numbers?
No, the TI-89 calculator only computes the principal (non-negative) square root. It does not handle negative numbers for square roots.
How do I clear the square root function from the screen?
Press the CLEAR key to remove the square root function and any entered numbers from the screen.
Can I use the TI-89 calculator to find square roots of fractions?
Yes, you can enter fractions in the format a/b and the calculator will compute the square root of the fraction.
What if I enter a very large number for the square root?
The TI-89 calculator can handle very large numbers, but very large inputs may result in an overflow error. If this happens, try entering a smaller number.
How do I store the square root result for later use?
After calculating the square root, you can store the result in a variable by pressing STO followed by the variable name (e.g., A).