Scientific Notation

Learn and apply scientific notation using equations, examples, and interpretation.

Lesson 2 of 53 parts Practice Flashcards

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Coefficient and Power

Objective: Explain and use coefficient and power in an Algebra 1 problem.

Scientific notation writes a nonzero number as a×10^n with 1≤|a|<10 and integer n. No, its absolute value must be below ten.

Worked examples

Try itExample 1.1: Write 2×10^5 as a whole number.Show answer

200000. Multiplying by a positive power of ten shifts decimal places right. The answer is 200000.

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Coefficient and Power

Objective: Explain and use coefficient and power in an Algebra 1 problem.

Scientific notation writes a nonzero number as a×10^n with 1≤|a|<10 and integer n. No, its absolute value must be below ten.

Worked examples

Try itExample 1.1: Write 2×10^5 as a whole number.Show answer

200000. Multiplying by a positive power of ten shifts decimal places right. The answer is 200000.

Large and Small Numbers

Objective: Explain and use large and small numbers in an Algebra 1 problem.

A positive exponent moves the decimal right in ordinary notation, while a negative exponent moves it left. One thousandth.

Worked examples

Try itExample 2.1: Write 3×10^8 as a whole number.Show answer

300000000. Multiplying by a positive power of ten shifts decimal places right. The answer is 300000000.

Operations in Notation

Objective: Explain and use operations in notation in an Algebra 1 problem.

To multiply numbers in scientific notation, multiply coefficients and add powers of ten, then normalize the coefficient. The resulting coefficient may fall outside the required interval.

Worked examples

Try itExample 3.1: Write 4×10^11 as a whole number.Show answer

400000000000. Multiplying by a positive power of ten shifts decimal places right. The answer is 400000000000.

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