1. Scientific Notation
Created by A.Oman
Ellerbruch.nmu.edu

2. Learning Target:
I can write numbers in standard notation into scientific notation.
I can write numbers in scientific notation into standard notation.
I can multiply and divide numbers in scientific notation.

3. What is it used for?
Scientific notation is a way that scientists and mathematicians use to deal with really, really small or really, really large numbers.

4. General Formula for Scientific Notation
N X 10 x
N is any number between 1 and 10, but not 10.
X can be a positive (+) number or a negative (-) number

5. How do you know if the exponent is (+) or (-)?
Is the number bigger than 1?
If it is bigger than 1
(1500 or 250,000)
= X is positive (+)
If it is smaller than 1
( or .0028)
= X is negative (-)

6. If you do not see a decimal, it is at the end.
Example:
Given: 246,000
Is the number bigger than 1?: Yes (+), exponent is positive
Move: 2.46
How many places did you move the decimal place: 5
Answer: 2.46 X 10 5
If you do not see a decimal, it is at the end.

7. Another Example: Given: 0.000246
Is the number bigger than 1?: NO (-), exponent is negative
Move: 2.46
How many places did it move?: 4
Answer: X 10 -4

8. Your turn to try…don’t forget the following steps!
Is the number bigger than 1?
Yes = No =
Shift the decimal point over until the number is between 1 and 10, but not 10.
Count how many times you have to move the decimal.
Write number in proper format:
N x 10x

9. Converting from Scientific Notation to Real Number
Look at the exponent (or X) on the 10.
POSITIVE EXPONENT = move the decimal that many places to the right.
NEGATIVE EXPONENT = move the decimal that many places to the left.

10. Example
Given:5.079 X 106
Move: Right 6 places
Answer: 5,079,000

11. Given: 4.8971 X 10-7 Move: Left 7 places Answer: .00000048971
Another Example
Given: X 10-7
Move: Left 7 places
Answer:

12. Now your turn, ask your classmate if you need help!
Practice
Now your turn, ask your classmate if you need help!
If you are still having problems, then ask us!
Converting PDF

13. Correcting Improper Scientific Notation
Given:5079 X 106
Move: X 103 X 106
Answer: X 109

14. Correcting Improper Scientific Notation
Given: X 106
Move: 2.35 X 10-3 X 106
Answer: 2.35 X 103

15. Now your turn, ask your classmate if you need help!
Practice
Now your turn, ask your classmate if you need help!
If you are still having problems, then ask us!
Converting PDF

16. Write 10 numbers that are really big or really small. HW
Write 10 numbers that are really big or really small.
It has to be about something in the real world.
The national debt is $13,000,