1. a x 10 , where n is an integer and
Scientific Notation
Scientific Notation – A number written as the product of two factors in the form
a x 10 , where n is an integer and n
For example:

2. Is each number written in scientific notation? If not, explain.
Additional Examples
Is each number written in scientific notation? If not, explain.
a  104
No; is less than 1.
b  10–2
yes
c  106
No; is greater than 10.

3. Write each number in scientific notation.
Lesson 8-2
Additional Examples
Write each number in scientific notation.
a. 234,000,000
Move the decimal point 8 places to the left and use 8 as an exponent.
234,000,000 =
Drop the zeros after the 4.
2.34  108 b
Move the decimal point 5 places to the right and use –5 as an exponent. =
6.3  10–5
Drop the zeros before the 6.

4. Write each number in standard notation.
Scientific Notation
Lesson 8-2
Additional Examples
Write each number in standard notation.
a. elephant’s mass: 8.8  104 kg
8.8  104 =
A positive exponent indicates a number greater than 10. Move the decimal point 4 places to the right.
= 88,000
b. ant’s mass: 7.3  10–5 kg  
7.3  10–5 =
A negative exponent indicates a number between 0 and 1. Move the decimal point 5 places to the left. =

5. Scientific Notation
Lesson 8-2
Additional Examples
List the planets in order from least to greatest distance from the sun.
Jupiter
Earth
Neptune
Mercury
4.84  108 mi
9.3  107 mi
4.5  109 mi
3.8  107 mi
Planet
Distance from
the Sun
Order the powers of 10. Arrange the decimals with the same power of 10 in order.

6. Mercury Earth Jupiter Neptune
Scientific Notation
Lesson 8-2
Additional Examples
(continued)
Jupiter
Earth
Neptune
Mercury
4.84  108 mi
9.3  107 mi
4.5  109 mi
3.8  107 mi
Planet
Distance from
the Sun
3.8     109
Mercury Earth Jupiter Neptune
From least to greatest distance from the sun, the order of the planets is Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, and Neptune.

7. Write each number in scientific notation.
Lesson 8-2
Additional Examples
Order  105, 6.03  104, 6103, and 63.1  103 from least to greatest.
Write each number in scientific notation.
   103
6.3     104
Order the powers of 10. Arrange the decimals with the same power of 10 in order.
6.3     104
Write the original numbers in order.
   103

8. Simplify. Write each answer using scientific notation.
Lesson 8-2
Additional Examples
Simplify. Write each answer using scientific notation.
Use the Associative Property of Multiplication.
(6 • 8)  10–4 = a.
6(8  10–4)
= 48  10–4
Simplify inside the parentheses.
= 4.8  10–3
Write the product in scientific notation.
Use the Associative Property of Multiplication.
(0.3 • 1.3)  103 = b.
0.3(1.3  103)
= 0.39  103
Simplify inside the parentheses.
= 3.9  102
Write the product in scientific notation.