Lesson 2

Mathematics of Chemistry
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the student is expected to:
 Interconvert numbers to scientific notation.
 Perform mathematical operations involving scientific notation, rounding
the answer to the appropriate number of significant figures or decimal
place/uncertainty.
 Determine the number of significant figures in a measurement.
 Convert units by using dimensional analysis.

2.1 Fixed notation

Definition 2.1 Fixed notation

A fixed notation is a representation of real numbers used to express

relatively small or large measurements.

2.2 Scientific notation

Definition 2.2.1 Scientific notation

A scientific notation is a representation of real numbers used to express

very small or very large measurements.

Definition 2.2.2 Coefficient

A coefficient is a digit term (between 1 to 9.9999…) in a scientific notation.

It is a number written with one nonzero digit to the left of the decimal point and all
other significant digits to the right of it.

Definition 2.2.3 Exponent

An exponent is the power wherein 10 is raised to, indicating the magnitude

of the number.
CHM01: General Chemistry 1 2

Remarks:

In scientific notation, a given value is expressed as a number written with one nonzero
digit to the left of the decimal point and all other significant digits to the right of it (called
the coefficient). The number is then multiplied by 10 raised to a given power (called
the exponent).

In general, a scientific notation is given by:

𝐍 x 10𝐧
where N = coefficient (between 1 to 9.9999….)
n = exponent (any integer)

2.2.1 Conversion of a number to scientific notation

The exponent n is positive if the number is greater than 1 and negative if less than 1.
The decimal number point moves to the left if the number is positive, to the right if
negative

Example:
1.234 𝑥 𝟏𝟎𝟑 = 1234
1.234 𝑥 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 = 0.00123

2.2.2 Addition and subtraction of numbers expressed in scientific notation

When adding or subtracting two numbers, first convert them to the same powers of 10.
The digit terms are then added or subtracted as appropriate.
Example:

(1.234 𝑥 103 ) + (5.623 𝑥 10−2 ) = (0.1234 𝑥 10−2 ) + (5.623 𝑥 10−2 )

= 𝟓. 𝟕𝟒𝟔 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 − 𝟐

2.2.3 Multiplication and division of numbers expressed in scientific notation

The digit terms are multiplied in the usual manner, and the exponents are added. In
division, the digit terms are divided, and the exponents are subtracted. The result is
expressed with a digit term with only one nonzero digit to the left of the decimal place.

Example:
(6.0 x 1023 ) x (2.0 x 10−2 ) = (6.0)(2.0 x 1023+(−2) )
= 12 x 1021
= 𝟏. 𝟐 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟐

7.60 x 103 7.60

2
= x 103−2 = 𝟔. 𝟏𝟖 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟏
1.23 x 10 1.23
CHM01: General Chemistry 1 3

2.2.4 Power of numbers expressed in scientific notation

When raising a number in exponential notation to a power, treat the digit term in the
usual manner. The exponent is then multiplied by the number indicating the power.

Example:
(5.28 x 10𝟑 )𝟐 = (5.28)𝟐 x 10𝟑𝐱𝟐 = 27.9 x 10𝟔 = 𝟐. 𝟕𝟗 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟕

2.2.5 Root of numbers expressed in scientific notation

The number must first be put into a form in which the exponent is exactly divisible by
the root. The root of the digit term is found in the usual way, and the exponent is divided
by the desired root.

Example:

√3.36 x 10𝟕 = √36 x 10𝟔 = √36 = √10𝟔 = 𝟔. 𝟎 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟑

2.3 Significant Figures

Definition 2.3.1 Significant figures

A significant figure is a digit that is either reliably known or closely

estimated.

Remarks:

Significant figures express how precise is the measuring tool used. In general, in a
number representing a scientific measurement, the last digit to the right is taken to be
inexact.

Definition 2.3.2 Measured quantities

Measured quantities are measurements determined using a measuring

device.

Definition 2.3.3 Exact numbers

Exact numbers are numbers from definitions or numbers of objects.

CHM01: General Chemistry 1 4

2.3.1 Determining the number of significant figures

1. All nonzero digits (1 to 9) are always considered significant.

2. When are zeroes significant?
a. Zeroes BETWEEN nonzero digits are significant.
b. Zeroes to the right of a nonzero number, AND to the right of a decimal
place, are significant.
3. When are zeroes not significant?
Zeroes that are placeholders are not significant

Examples:
Measurement # of SF
1.234 kg 4
2.0 mg 2
0.00000420 g 3
0.08 L 1
2000 m 1

2.3.2 Using significant figures in calculations

• Addition or Subtraction – the number of decimal places in the final answer

is equal to the given value with the least number of decimal places

89.332
+ 1.100 One significant figure after decimal point

90.432 Round off to 90.4

• Multiplication of Division – the number of significant figures in the final
answer is equal to the given value with the least number of significant
figures.
4.51 x 3.6666 = 16.536366 = 16.5

3 sig figs Round off to 3 sig figs

2.3.3 Significant figures of exact number

Exact numbers are considered to have an infinite number of significant figures.

6.64 + 6.68 + 6.70 = 6.67333 = 6.67 ≠ 7

3 Exact number
CHM01: General Chemistry 1 5

2.4 Problem solving by dimensional analysis

Definition 2.4 Dimensional analysis

Dimensional analysis is a general problem-solving approach that uses the

dimensions or units of each value to guide through calculations.

Remarks:

In this approach a conversion factor is used, which expresses the equivalence of a

measurement in two different units.

desired unit
Number in original unit x = new number in desired unit
original unit

Conversion factor

References:
Kotz, J., Treichel, P., Townsend, J., & Treichel, D. (2015). Chemistry and Chemical
Reactivity 9th Edition. Pasig City, Philippines: Cengage Learning Asia Pte.
Malone, L. J., & Dolter, T. O. (2013). Basic Concepts of Chemistry, 9th ed. John Wiley
& Sons, Inc.
Rodriguez, M. S., & Navera-Male, M. F. (2018). SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: General
Chemistry. 1. Malaysia: Oxford University Press.