Comparing Numbers in Scientific Notation

The video tutorial explains how to compare numbers written in scientific notation. It covers two main situations: when the exponents are different and when they are the same. For different exponents, the number with the larger exponent is greater. For the same exponents, the number with the larger factor is greater. The video provides examples for each situation to illustrate the concepts clearly.

What is the first step in comparing numbers in scientific notation?

• Compare the factors

• Add the exponents

• Compare the exponents

• Subtract the factors

When comparing numbers with different exponents, which number is larger?

• The one with the smaller factor

• The one with the larger exponent

• The one with the larger factor

• The one with the smaller exponent

In the example with 3.4 x 10^7 and 1.61 x 10^8, which is larger?

• 3.4 x 10^7

• Cannot be determined

• 1.61 x 10^8

• They are equal

Why is 3.4 x 10^-5 greater than 1.61 x 10^-9?

• Because 1.61 is larger than 3.4

• Because -9 is larger than -5

• Because 3.4 is larger than 1.61

• Because -5 is larger than -9

What should you compare when the exponents are the same?

• The difference of the numbers

• The sum of the numbers

• The factors

• The exponents

In the example with 3.4 x 10^7 and 1.61 x 10^7, which is larger?

• 3.4 x 10^7

• Cannot be determined

• They are equal

• 1.61 x 10^7

When comparing numbers with the same negative exponents, what determines the larger number?

• The larger exponent

• The larger factor

• The smaller exponent

• The smaller factor

In the example with 3.4 x 10^-5 and 1.61 x 10^-5, which is larger?

• They are equal

• Cannot be determined

• 1.61 x 10^-5

• 3.4 x 10^-5

What is the key takeaway from comparing numbers in scientific notation?

• Always compare factors first

• Always compare exponents first

• Ignore the exponents

• Ignore the factors