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<p>Umm… what purpose would be served to have a math question like that and then allow a calculator? To show the student knows how to press the square root button? </p>
<p>I actually do have some sympathy for need of calculator on a word problem with complicated calculations. But not for that example, for the reasons give by prior posters. </p>
<p>I do think it makes sense to firm up basic math concepts like that before attempting college math classes. It is too bad that the MS/HS math teacher didn’t catch on to this. OP has a right to be annoyed, but not annoyed at the college. </p>
<p>PS - Perhaps anxiety factored in there too, with lack of the familiar calculator (whether used or not). Good luck!</p>