Scientific Notation

Very large or very small numbers are expressed in scientific notation (aka exponential notation). For correct scientific notation, only the significant digits are written. The decimal is moved behind the first digit and the exponent states how many places the decimal had to be moved to get there.

Examples:

380,000 would be written as 3.8 x 10^5. (You wouldn't write the ^, you would have the 5 as an exponent on the 10. I can't seem to get this editor to superscript.)

The number 6540.0 would be written as 6.5400 x 10^3. You have to rewrite the zeros because they were significant in the original number.

.0008756 would be written as 8.756 x 10^-4. The negative on the four signifies that the number is less than one and the decimal was moved to the right.

Scientific Notation Quiz #1

Write the following numbers in scientific notation with the correct number of significant figures:

1. 680,000,000
2. .00009830
3. 8740.300

Answers to the quiz are on the answer page.

Scientific Notation and Your Calculator:

When entering scientific notation in your calculator, use the exponent key (labeled EE or EXP). On the TI82 this is a second function. Do not enter exponential notation the way you read it. Don't enter *10^. For example, 6 x 10^3 would be entered as 6 EE 3.

The division and multiplication signs are in red so that they are not confused with the x in the scientific notation.

Scientific Notation Quiz #2

Write the answers to the following math problems in correct scientific notation:

1. 3.6 x 10^4 /5 x 10^6 =
2. 2.7 x 10^3/(4 x 10^3 * 2 x 10^-4) =

Answers to the quiz are on the answer page.

Okay, on to your next topic. Return to the introduction page and pick another one. If you did not get enough information on scientific notation and have some questions, please feel free to call me at 651-486-9697 or email me at jcaskey@ties.k12.mn.us

Also, you can visit Mr. Logan's basic math page and choose scientific notation from the options.