Not giving proper awnsers for square root questions

The square root is the second function of the "3" key. To calculate the square root of 2, press 2 2ndF =

Use the universal power key [^] with a fractionary exponent.
Fifth root of a number a is entered as a^(1/5).
n root of number a is entered as a^(1/n)
Careful: if the radicand (a) is negative, and the index of the root is even (2, 4, 6, ) the root is complex and the calculator will give you an error. If the index n is odd you can calculate the n-th root regardless of the sign of the radicand.

2^(1/5)=1.148698355

For square roots, use the square root key just to the left of the divide key. For example, 4 square-root = will give you 2.

The calculator doesn't have any way to store equations, scientific or otherwise. If you mean scientific notation, use the EE key just above the 7 key to enter exponents. For example, to enter 1.23x10^6, press 1 . 2 3 EE 6. For negative exponents, make sure to use the +- key to the right of the decimal point instead of the - key.

1. Use the universal power key marked with [^].
   
2. To avoid problems if the exponent is an expression, enclose it in parentheses.
3. To enter any power type number^(exponent)
4. If exponent is negative use the (-) change sign key next to the dot, below the 3 key.
5. To calculate the roots (cubic, fourth, fifth, etc.) roots use the fact that a root of n-th order can be represented as ^(1/n)
6. Ex: cube root of 27: 27^(1/3); square root of 64 : 64^(1/2) or 64^(0.5)
   

Hi shiny_diamon
Here is a picture of the powers and root functions of your calculator.
1.To calculate the cubic root of a number you use the key combination shown on line 5
Ex: Cubic root of 27
27 [2nd] [3 root x] [EXE]; Should get 3
2. You can use the general root key on line 7 [2nd][x Root y]
Ex: Cubic root of 125
125 [2nd][ x Root y] 3 [EXE] Should get 5
(-125) [2nd][x Root y] 3 [EXE]; Should get -5

3. You can also yse the general power key on line 6: [Y to x], but the degree of the root is entered as a fraction 1/3
Ex: cubic root of -125.
(-125) [Y to x]( 1/3) [EXE]; You should get -5

4. The [Y to x[ key is the one you use to obtain all other roots fourth, fift, tenth, n-th.
Ex: Fourth root of 256
256 [Y to x] (1/4) [EXE]: You should get 4

5. To extract the squqre root of a number you can use the key on the 3rd line [root x] or the general power key on line 6 with exponent 1/2
Exemple square root of 256
256 [Root x] [EXE] should give you 16
256 [Y to x] (1/2) [EXE] should give you 16 also

Hope that helps.

type 2nd then the square root sign and type in the number u need. the close off the parenthesis and hit enter

If you can't find the square root sign you could enter it like:
4^(1/2)=2 and 16^(1/2)=4 just what #your look for the square root of just take to the ^(1/2)
I'd like to give the key reference for the square root sign but, I loan my calculator to a student

If you would like to a root other than a square root, first enter the root value (3, 4, 5, etc.) then press MATH. Then Press 5 and enter the value you want to take that root of. Press ENTER.

If you want the answer in rectangular form, set MODE a+bi and tap ENTER and QUIT. Tap square root sign, tap (-)4 and close the parenthesis and tap ENTER. The answer is shown as 2i.
If you want the answer in polar form, set MODE to re^xi and and DEGREE. Tap ENTER and QUIT. Tap the square root sign, tap (-)4, close the parenthesis, and tap ENTER. The answer shown is 2e^90i. (2 at ninety degrees). If you selected RADIAN mode, the answer would be 2e^1.57i (2 at 1.57 radians; or 2 at pi/2 radians)

Come on now....there are dedicated "square" and "square root" keys on the TI-30XA....

Enter your number e.g. 4, then press the "root x" key to get 2...

Press "x squared" key to get the square of 2 = 4

There's the even more useful "y to the power x" key and it's inverse "xth root of y" key.

E.g. Enter 2, then press the "y to the power x" key, then 5, then =, answer is 32 (2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2). Starting with 32, pres 2nd then the "y to the power x" key, then 5, then =, answer is 2, the 5th root of 32....