The algorithm to calculate the fractional power in MATLAB?

>> (-1).^(2/3)

ans =

-0.5000 + 0.8660i

>> ((-1).^2).^(1/3)

ans =

     1

I tried to calculate the fractional power 2/3 of the negative -1, then I found the results above...Orz...Could anyone help me to understand this issue? THX.

Answer 1

[the cyclist]

This is explained in the documentation for power (especially the "Find Roots of Number" section) and nthroot.

[Choszit Lee]

Thanks for your kindness~It's really helpful.