How to write a number in scientific notation
- Count the number of spaces the decimal point must be moved to give a coefficient between 1 and 10.
- The number of places moved equals the value of the exponent.
If the decimal was moved to the left, the exponent is POSITIVE.
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Example: 460,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 --> 4.6 x 1023
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If the decimal was moved to the right, the exponent is NEGATIVE.
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Example: 0.00000000000000000000002 --> 2 x 10-23
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How to change a number from scientific notation to standard form
Scientific notations & operations
Addition & Subtraction
- If they have the same exponent, add/subtract the coefficient. Keep the same exponent.
- If they don't have the same exponent, change the smaller to the larger exponent by moving the decimal to the left. Repeat step #1.
Multiplication & Division
- Multiplication - Multiply coefficients and add exponents.
- Division - Divide coefficients and subtract exponents.