Section5.1(b) Scientific Notation

Def: A number is in scientific notation when it is in the form: a x 10 n Where: 1 < a < 10 Example: 3.68 x 10 -6

x To find the exponent, just count the number of times you have to move the decimal in order to have only 1 number remaining on the left side of the decimal. 1.) Write the number in scientific notation Move decimal left: + exponent Move decimal right: - exponent

2.) Express the number 2,000,000 in scientific notation. Remember that each time you move the decimal by 1 place it represents a factor of 10 2,000,000 6 decimal places = 2 x 10 6

3.) Express 436,000 in scientific notation 436,000 5 decimal places 4.36 x ) Express in scientific notation If you move the decimal place to the right, use a negative exponent = 1.73 x decimal places right

5.) Express in decimal and scientific notation

To set your calculator to show numbers in scientific mode use the procedure on the following screen

Screen Key stroke(s) Screen Key stroke(s) Home Screen

Homework Page 259 Problems: all