## Paper Folding: Extracting the cube root of a number

In the previous post on paper folding, we have learned how to use paper folding to extract the square root of a number on the number line. In this post, we are going to learn how to extract the cube root a number by paper folding. The steps in constructing the fold is very similar to extracting the square root.

Paper Folding Instructions

1. Get a rectangular piece of paper and fold it in the middle, horizontally and vertically, and let the creases (see green segments in the applet) represent the coordinate axes.
2. Let M denote (0,1) and let R denote (-r,0).
3. Make a single fold that places M on y = -1 and R on x=r.
4. The x-intercept of the fold is $\sqrt[3]{r}$.
The GeoGebra applet below visualizes the fold. Drag points P and Q to satisfy the conditions above. Note that you can also move point R» Read more

## Paper Folding: Locating the square root of a number on the number line

Paper folding (origami) has been used by many teachers, particularly in Japan, to teach mathematics.   In this post, we are going to use paper folding to locate the square root of any number on the number line. A GeoGebra simulation of the paper folding is shown below.

Note (July 17, 2014): Applet had an error. I will update it within 24 hours.

Paper Folding Instructions  » Read more