Scientific Notation

Quick Review

Powers of 10

• http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/

• http://www.powersof10.com/

• Powers of 10 - Google Videos

Question 1Write 4,776 in scientific notation

Place the decimal immediately to the right of the left-most non-zero number. This should give you a number between

one and ten.

4.776Count the number of digits between the old and the new

decimal point, this gives the power, n of 10 (10n).

4 776 X 103

Since the decimal is shifted to the left, the exponent is positive.

4.776 x 103

3 Digits

Question 6Write 0.0246 in scientific notation

Place the decimal immediately to the right of the left-most non-zero number. This should give you a number between one

and ten

2.46Count the number of digits between the old and the new

decimal point, this gives the power, n of 10 (10n).

X 10-2

Since the decimal is shifted to the right, the exponent is negative.

2.46 x 10-2

2 Digits

0 02 46

Question 14Write 4.953 x 104 in standard form

Write the decimal number.

4.953Move the decimal the number of places specified by the powers of ten: to the right since it is positive.

X 104 4 9530Rewrite the number in integer/standard form.

49,530

4 Places

Question 17Write 8.397 x 10-1 in standard form

Write the decimal number.

8.397Move the decimal the number of places specified by

the powers of ten: to the left since it is negative.

X 10-1 0 8 397Rewrite the number in integer/standard form.

0.8397

1 Place

Multiplying and Dividing With Your Calculator

1. Punch the number (the digit number) into your calculator.

2. Push the EE or EXP button. Do NOT use the x (times) button!!

3. Enter the exponent number. Use the +/- button to change its sign.

4. Voila! Treat this number normally in all subsequent calculations.

• Scientific Calculator• Scientific calculator for chemists with notebook• http://www.calculator.com/calcs/calc_sci.html

Scientific Notation Tutorials

• http://www.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/tutorials/ch1.htm

(Click on Scientific Notation Link - view tutorial)

• http://www.visionlearning.com/library/

module_viewer.php?mid=47&l=&c3 (Read Scientific Notation towards the bottom of the page)

• http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/col_alg_tut3_scinot.htm