re: #647 Pietr

I actually taught some of my troops to use memorization, and addition/subtraction. If 1 knows a square close to the #, it’s just that. IE. 1x1= 1, 2x2=4, 3x3=9, OK. Take 1x1, add the result plus 1 and 2=4; for 3x3, add the result of 2x2 (4) to the result of 2+3, ad infinatum. It works, and can be used with addition or subtraction-it just takes longer, and is more prone to error. I figured that little bit of info out when my advanced algebra teacher gave me a Homework assignment of taking all squares thru INFINITY (he didn’t like me)….:>))

I also have favorite methods for mentally doing cube roots, fifth roots and square roots.

If you’re really up to the task, try out exponential expressions!