Scientific Notation

Learning Intentions

  • I can convert from scientific notation to a basic numeral.
  • I can convert to scientific notation using significant figures.
  • I can use technology to perform calculations in scientific notation.

Understanding Scientific Notation

Scientific Notation Form (Standard Form)

  • is a number from 1-10 ()
  • and is an integer.
  • To write numbers using scientific notation, place the decimal point after the first non-zero digit then multiply by a power of 10.
    • Large numbers are written using positive powers of 10.
    • Small numbers are written using negative powers of 10.

Applying The Form (Positive)

Applying The Form (Negative)

What is ?

  • Remember, we covered negative indices here.
  • Take for example, . We know . This can be simplified to .

Significant Figures

  • Significant figures are non-zero digits.

Rounding Numbers to Significant Figures