Scientific Notation Karen Cibrian

Definition Scientific notation is simply a method for expressing, and working with very large or very small numbers.  It is a short hand method for writing numbers, and an easy method for calculations. 

Numbers in scientific notation are made up of three parts: the coefficient, the base and the exponent.

The three parts in scientific notation: Coefficient -> 6.5 Base -> 10 Exponent -> 7

Scientific Notation In Standard Form 5.67 x 105 This is the scientific notation for the standard number, 567,000.  Now look at the number again, with the three parts labeled.

Example 5.67 x 105         coefficient                   base        exponent In order for a number to be in correct scientific notation, the following conditions must be true: 1. The coefficient must be greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10. 2. The base must be 10. 3. The exponent must show the number of decimal places that the decimal needs to be moved to change the number to standard notation.

Notations Standard Notation Scientific Notation 93,000,000 9.3 x 107

Problem How do you write 5.9 x 107 in standard notation? A) 59,000 B) 59,000,000 C) 590 D) 590,000,000

How to Convert from Scientific Notation to Standard Form To change a number from scientific notation to standard form, move the decimal point to the right. You should move the point as many times as the exponent indicates. 3.8 x 108 380,000,000

How To Convert from Scientific Notation To Standard For When The Exponent Is Negative A negative exponent means that the decimal is moved to the left when changing to standard notation. 2.5 x 10-4 0.00025

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