When working with exponents, how does one figure the value of x^n if n isn't a round number? For instance, 2^2 = 4, 2^3 = 8, and so on. But how does one calculate the value of, for instance, 2^1.83????

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Math is ineteresting..Often you can perform a transform on the number you are working on to anther number that makes caclulation easier..then retrasform the number back.

Logarithms would be the transform of choice for your problem.

Take the log of 2.. then multiply by 1.83 then take the antilog.

Log (2)*1.83 =.055088.. Anti log. 3.55537.
Using significant figures ..3.56 (assuming you have exactly '2.00'.

For calculators that have Y^x functions internally they're using logs the same way.

Or it can be said this way:

x^y = e^(ylnx) or x^y = 10^(yLOGx)

This also holds if x and y are complex.

My trick is to break it up in fractions.

e.g. x^1.86...
can be equaled to x raised to under root of three divided by two.
(Hmn.....now how the hell do we get the under root symbol up here......)
and then try to solve it separately
as
x^1/2multiplied by x raised to underroot of three and so on....

Seems Simple, right?
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