Practice Using a Scientific Calculator: Square Roots, Cube Roots & Exponents (SC-216 Guide)

Getting Started: Your Companion for Better Math Practice

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and build stronger problem-solving skills, this mathematics practice sheet is a great place to begin. It’s made to help students get comfortable using essential scientific calculator functions—especially on a non-graphing scientific calculator like the SC-216 Scientific Calculator from Red Star Tec.

Whether you’re studying for class, preparing for a quiz, or reviewing for entrance exams like the SAT, CAT, and more, these exercises will guide you through the types of calculations students use every day. While this practice sheet may seem basic, it’s still an effective way to improve your skills using a calculator. And the best part? The steps work with almost any standard scientific calculator, so anyone can follow along.

Why Practice Using a Scientific Calculator?

Exams or not, regular practice with a scientific calculator does more than just help you solve problems—it builds confidence. Working through mathematics practice problems using a calculator helps students develop speed and accuracy, especially when tackling more difficult calculations.

It also reinforces core concepts in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, making it easier to understand how these operations work both with and without a device. By consistently practicing step-by-step using a calculator, students learn an important skill: knowing when a calculator is helpful and when a problem is better solved manually.

Whether you’re preparing for upcoming quizzes or real-life problem-solving situations, using a practice mathematics sheet like this one can make a noticeable difference in your workflow and results.

How Do You Practice Using a Scientific Calculator

Practicing regularly with a scientific calculator is one of the best ways for students to improve accuracy and build confidence. Below, you’ll find step-by-step examples and practice problems designed to help you get comfortable with the most common functions used in everyday math.

How to Perform Square Root Calculations on a Scientific Calculator (√x) 

Square roots appear frequently in algebra and geometry, especially with calculating areas, the Pythagorean theorem, and simplifying expressions. 

Example: how to calculate the square root of 196

This is written mathematically as √196. 

To calculate the square root of 196 on the Red Star Tec SC-216, take the following steps:

1. Press √

2. Type 196

3. Press =

Answer: 14

Practice Problems:

1. √64

2. √225

3. √289

4. √169

5. √50

6. √0.81

7. √900

8. √32

9. √144

10. √441

Answer Key:

1. 8

2. 15

3. 17

4. 13

5. 7.071

6. 0.9

7. 30

8. 5.657

9. 12

10. 21

How to Perform Cube Root Calculations on a Scientific Calculator

Cubes and cube roots are useful in volume calculations, algebraic expressions, and physics problems.

Example 1: how to calculate the cube root of 125
This is mathematically written as ³√125.

To calculate the cube root on the Red Star Tec SC-216, follow these steps:

1. Select the ³√ option—to do this, press the SHIFT button, then press the x³ button.

2. You will now see ³√ displayed on your screen.

3. Type 125

4. Press =

Answer: 5

This is the simplest way to perform a cube root calculation.

An alternative way to perform this calculation is also written below: 

1. Type 125

2. Press ^

3. Type (1 ÷ 3)

4. Press =

Answer: 5

Practicing these steps helps students gain confidence in using the SC-216, similar to how they learn square roots.

Practice Problems:

1. ∛27

2. ∛216

3. ∛343

4. 8³

5. 5³

6. 12³

7. 15³

8. ∛1000

9. ∛500

10. 4³

Answer Key:

1. 3

2. 6

3. 7

4. 512

5. 125

6. 1728

7. 3375

8. 10

9. 7.937

10. 64

How to Perform Exponents & Powers (xⁿ) on a Scientific Calculator

Exponents appear in equations, growth calculations, and geometry. Using scientific calculator functions helps ensure accuracy when working with powers.

Example 1: how to calculate 7²

To calculate 7² on the Red Star Tec SC-216.

1. Type 7

2. Press the x² button

3. Press =

Answer: 49

Another Way: how to calculate 7 to the power of 4 (this means 7 x 7 x 7 x 7).

1. Type 7

2. Press the (^) button

3. Enter 4 

4. Press =

Answer: 2401

Practice Problems

1. 3²

2. 11²

3. 12³

4. 6³

5. 25³

6. (1.2)²

7. (1.5)³

8. (2.75)³

9. (0.25)²

10. 10²

Answer Key:

1. 9

2. 121

3. 1728

4. 216

5. 15,625

6. 1.44

7. 3.375

8. 20.796

9. 0.0625

10. 100

With these functions, you now have a complete set of practice problems covering the most essential scientific calculator operations. These exercises help students build a strong foundation they can use in class, during exams, and in everyday problem-solving.

Want a Printable PDF Version?

If you prefer a distraction-free mathematics sheet that you can use offline, we’ve prepared a printable version of this set of mathematics practice problems. It’s perfect for students who want to work on paper, for teachers preparing classroom activities, or for anyone who learns better with a physical handout.

Click the link to download the PDF file.

Final Notes for Students

As you continue learning, remember that consistent mathematics practice is one of the best ways to build confidence and improve your problem-solving skills. You don’t need advanced tools to get better—most students can complete everyday algebra, geometry, and trigonometry work using a reliable non-graphing scientific calculator like the SC-216 from Red Star Tec on Amazon.

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