Why Use the Scientific Notation?

Scientists have invented a method called Scientific Notation to write very large and very small numbers in an easier and more simple way to understand

In order to create a scientific notated number, you need to use powers of ten (A power of 10 is as many number 10s as indicated by the exponent multiplied together.)

How To Create a Scientific Notation

If you are creating Notation for a number greater or equal to 10, move the decimal to the left and use a positive exponent

Example - 567.8

For a WHOLE Number

Step One - Move the decimal point to the left until there is only one number that is less than 10 in front of the point

Step Two - Count how many times you had to move the decimal point in order to do step one, and put that as your exponent on your base of ten.

Remember, if you have to move the decimal to the left in order to make step one happen, your exponent is going to be positive

For a DECIMAL Number

Step One - Move the decimal point to the right until there is one full number that is less than 10 (numbers 1-9) in front of the point

Step Two - Count how many times you had to shift the decimal point to the right in order to turn the number whole, and put that amount as your NEGATIVE exponent on your base of ten.

Remember, if you have to move the decimal to the right in order to make step one happen, your exponent must be negative

If you want to undo a number in notation, use your calculator. Good Luck if you don’t have one.