title: Python pow ** results
body: <p>Why the build-in operator in this example <code>4**(1/2)</code> (which is a square root operation) returns as a result <code>1</code> and not <code>2</code> as it should be expected? If is not going to return an acceptable result it should rise an error, but Python continues working without any crash. At least in Python 2.7.4  64 bit distribution.</p>
  
  <p>It also happens with the math function <code>pow(4,1/2)</code> which returns <code>1</code> with no errors.</p>
  
  <p>Instead, when doing <code>4**(0.5)</code> it returns as a result <code>2.0</code> which is correct, although it mixes integers and floats without any warnings. The same happens with pow.</p>
  
  <p>Any explanation for this behaviors? Shall they be considered as bugs?</p>