Interpreting Scientific Notation Generated by Technology

The video tutorial explains how to interpret scientific notation as displayed on scientific calculators. It covers the format of scientific notation, how calculators use the letter 'E' to denote exponents, and how to interpret different calculator displays. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of using common math sense when dealing with very large or small numbers, especially when they are converted to scientific notation by calculators.

What does the 'E' represent in the number 3.62E4 displayed on a calculator?

• The coefficient of the number

• The exponent in scientific notation

• The base of the number

• The decimal point

How would you express 1.4E-6 in scientific notation?

• 1.4 * 10^6

• 1.4 * 10^-6

• 0.14 * 10^-6

• 14 * 10^-6

What might a calculator display to indicate a positive exponent?

• An uppercase 'E' with a plus sign

• A lowercase 'e' without any sign

• An uppercase 'E' with a minus sign

• A lowercase 'e' with a plus sign

Why is it important to use common sense when interpreting calculator results?

• Calculators can only display whole numbers

• Calculators never use scientific notation

• Calculators may not handle very large or small numbers well

• Calculators always display exact results

What should you do if your calculator displays a number in scientific notation?

• Ignore the exponent

• Round it to the nearest whole number

• Convert it to a fraction

• Properly interpret the number using the exponent