1. Scientific Notation

2. Scientific Notation A way of expressing a number as the product of…
a number between 1 and 10
and a power of ten
Allows for easier computation of very large or very small numbers
The magnitude of a number can be easily determined and compared from the exponent

3. To write a number in scientific notations
Move the decimal point so that there is one non-zero digit to the left of the decimal point.
The number of times the decimal moved is equal to the exponent for the 10.

4. Positive or Negative Exponents?
If the original number is greater than 1, then the exponent will be positive.
If the original number is between 0 and 1, then the exponent will be negative.

5. EXAMPLE Convert to scientific notation
Since the original number is between 0 and 1, the exponent will be negative.
Decimal is moved so that the number is greater than 1 but less that 10.
Exponent is the number of spaces the decimal moved.

6. EXAMPLE Convert to scientific notation
Since the original number is greater than 1, the exponent will be positive.
Decimal is moved so that the number is greater than 1 but less that 10.
Exponent is the number of spaces the decimal moved.

7. EXAMPLE Convert to standard notation
Since the exponent is positive, the original number is greater than 1,
Decimal is moved 8 times to the right to keep it greater than 1

8. EXAMPLE Convert to standard notation
Since the exponent is negative, the original number is between 0 and 1.
Decimal is moved 6 times to the left to keep it between 0 and 1

9. Comparing
Remember the Exponent represents the original number’s magnitude, or the size of the number.
Place the appropriate inequality sign.