Learning Objectives
Introduction
Tutorial
A positive number is written in
scientific notation
if it is written in the form:
where 1 < a < 10 and r is an integer power of 10.
If the decimal point is moved to the right, the count is negative.
Example 1: Write the number in scientific notation: 734,000,000,000.
*Move decimal to create a number between 1 and 10
What direction did it move?
Looks like we moved it to the left.
So, our count is +11.
Example 2: Write the number in scientific notation: .000015.
*Move decimal to create a number between 1 and 10
What direction did it move?
Looks like we moved it to the right.
So, our count is - 5.
If the power on 10 is positive, you move the decimal place that many units to the right.
If the power on 10 is negative, you move the decimal place that many units to the left.
Make sure you add in any zeros that are needed
Example 3: Write the number in decimal notation without exponents: .
Example 4: Write the number in decimal notation without exponents: .
Example 5: Perform the indicated operation. Express the answer in decimal form.
*Move the decimal 2 to the left
Example 6: Perform the indicated operation. Express the answer in decimal form.
*When
div. like bases you subtract your exponents: 30 - 25 = 5
*Move the decimal 5 to the right
Practice Problems
These are practice problems to help bring you to the next level. It will allow you to check and see if you have an understanding of these types of problems. Math works just like anything else, if you want to get good at it, then you need to practice it. Even the best athletes and musicians had help along the way and lots of practice, practice, practice, to get good at their sport or instrument. In fact there is no such thing as too much practice.
To get the most out of these, you should work the problem out on your own and then check your answer by clicking on the link for the answer/discussion for that problem. At the link you will find the answer as well as any steps that went into finding that answer.
Practice Problem 1a: Write the number in scientific notation.
Practice Problem 2a: Write the number in decimal notation, without exponents.
Practice Problems 3a - 3b: Perform the indicated operation. Express the answer in decimal form.
Need Extra Help on these Topics?
Go to Get
Help Outside the
Classroom found in Tutorial 1: How to Succeed in a Math Class for
some
more suggestions.
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Last revised on Dec. 4, 2009 by Kim Seward.
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