Scientific Notation

Scientific (or Exponential) Notation

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Example of standard notation number in scientific notation is:
12,300 is written 1.23 x 104
– 1.23 is the coefficient (a number 1 and 10)
– 4 is the exponent (a positive or negative integer)

Matter
And
Measurement
Standard Notation Scientific
Notation

If decimal is moved left If decimal is moved right

exponent will be positive exponent will be negative

120,000. = 1.2 x 10 5 0.00012 = 1.2 x 10 ─ 4

Scientific Notation Standard
Notation

If exponent is negative, move If exponent is positive, move

decimal to the left. Add zeros decimal to the right. Add zeros
where needed. where needed.

3.4 x 10 −4 = 0.00034 3.4 x 10 6 = 3,400,000.

 Scientific Notation: Using Your Calculator
To enter numbers expressed in scientific
notation into your calculator

1. Enter coefficient, including decimal

point.
2. Press EE or EXP (depending on
your calculator model) to input
exponent. This button (EE or
EXP) basically stands for “× 10n ”.
3. Enter exponent, using change sign
((+/-) or (-)) to express negative
exponents if needed. Do not use Matter
And
minus key. Measurement
Calculations in Scientific Notation
Multiplication
1. Multiply coefficients (4.0 x 10 ─ 5) x (7.0 x 10 3) =
2. Add exponents (4.0 x 7.0) x (10 ─ 5+3) =
28 x 10 ─ 2 =
2.8 x 10 ─ 1

Division
1. Divide coefficients 8.5 x 10 4 ÷ 5.0 x 10 9 =
2. Subtract exponents (8.5 ÷ 5.0) x 10 4 ─ 9 =
1.7 x 10 ─ 5