^

The ^ operation raises a numerical value to an exponential value expressing how many times the value is multiplied by itself.

Syntax

return_value = number ^ {whole_exponent|(fractional_exponent)}

Description

• The number value can be any type literal or variable numerical value.
• Exponents can be any positive or negative integer or fractional numerical value inside of parenthesis brackets.
• If the exponent is zero, the value returned is 1.
• Fractional(or decimal point) exponents MUST be enclosed in () brackets and will return the fractional exponential root of a value.
• Exponential operations are done first in the QBasic order of operations.
• The square root of a number can be returned by the SQR function or by using an exponent of (1 / 2). Brackets required.
• Values returned may be expressed using exponential or Scientific notation using E for SINGLE or D for DOUBLE precision.
• WARNING: Exponential returns may exceed numerical type limitations and create an overflow error!

Example: Getting the cube root of a number.

INPUT "Enter a number to calculate it's cube root: ", num$ number! = VAL(num$) 'gets single number value cuberoot# = number! ^ (1 / 3) PRINT cuberoot# 'double type variable for accuracy

Details: The value returned will most likely be a SINGLE or DOUBLE value. Make sure that the return variable type matches the likely program operations!

Enter a number to calculate it's cube root: 144 5.241482788417793

See also:

SQR, Mathematical Operations

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