Comparing Small Numbers Using Scientific Notation

The video tutorial explains how to compare very small numbers using scientific notation. It begins by introducing a problem involving the size comparison between a period on a page and a bacterium. The lesson covers how to write small numbers in scientific notation, emphasizing the placement of the decimal point and the importance of the power of ten. It also reviews the properties of exponents, including how to add them when multiplying powers. Finally, the tutorial solves the problem by estimating the size difference using scientific notation, concluding that the period is about 300 times larger than the bacterium.

What is the main purpose of using scientific notation in this lesson?

• To measure the exact size of bacteria

• To make rough comparisons of very small numbers

• To add and subtract small numbers easily

• To convert large numbers into smaller ones

Where should the decimal point be placed when writing a number in scientific notation?

• Between the first non-zero digit and the next digit

• Between the first and second digits

• At the end of the number

• Between any two digits

Which factor determines the size of a number in scientific notation?

• The number before the multiplication

• The power of 10

• The number of decimal places

• The number of digits

How do you calculate the missing exponent when multiplying powers of 10?

• By subtracting the exponents

• By multiplying the exponents

• By dividing the exponents

• By adding the exponents

Approximately how many bacteria would fit over a printed period?

• 400

• 300

• 200

• 100