Operations with Scientific Notation

Front

What is scientific notation?

Back

A way of expressing numbers that are too large or too small to be conveniently written in decimal form, using powers of ten.

Front

How do you convert a number to scientific notation?

Back

Move the decimal point in the number until only one non-zero digit remains to the left of the decimal point, then multiply by 10 raised to the number of places the decimal was moved.

Front

What is the scientific notation for 0.0005?

Back

5 x 10^-4

Front

How do you multiply numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of the powers of ten.

Front

What is the result of (3.4 x 10^5)(1.2 x 10^-3)?

Back

4.08 x 10^2

Front

How do you divide numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents of the powers of ten.

Front

What is the scientific notation for 8 x 10^9 micrograms in grams?

Back

8 x 10^3 grams

Front

How do you compare numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Compare the exponents first; the number with the larger exponent is greater. If exponents are equal, compare the coefficients.

Front

Which is larger: 1.3 x 10^20 or 9.5 x 10^32?

Back

9.5 x 10^32 is larger.

Front

What is the speed of light in miles per second?

Back

Approximately 2 x 10^5 miles per second.