Scientific Notation Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, components, and conversion rules of scientific notation based on the lecture transcript.

Scientific Notation

A neat and quick way of writing very large or very small numbers, expressed in the form $a \times 10^n$.

Coefficient

The part of scientific notation, often represented as $a$ or $\text{alpha}$, where $1 < \text{alpha} < 10$.

Base

The constant value in scientific notation that is raised to a power, which is always $10$.

Exponent

The part of scientific notation, often represented as $n$ or $b$, which must be an integer.

Standard Form

The conventional way of writing numbers that scientific notation is used to represent or convert from.

Positive Exponent Rule

When converting to standard form, the decimal is moved to the right (e.g., an exponent of $6$ moves the decimal $6$ times to the right).

Negative Exponent Rule

When converting to standard form, the decimal is moved to the left (e.g., a negative exponent moves the decimal to the left).