 Scientific notation is simply a method for expressing, and working with, very large or very small numbers. It is a short hand method for writing numbers, and an easy method for calculations.

 This is the scientific notation for the standard number, x 10 5  Numbers in scientific notation are made up of three parts: the coefficient, the base and the exponent. Observe the example below:  Now look at the number again, with the three parts labeled.  5.67 x 10 5  coefficient base exponent

 In order for a number to be in correct scientific notation, the following conditions must be true:  1. The coefficient must be greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10.  2. The base must be 10.  3. The exponent must show the number of decimal places that the decimal needs to be moved to change the number to standard notation.  Positive exponent move decimal to the right to left  Negative exponent move decimal to the left to right

 Changing numbers from standard notation to scientific notation  Change to scientific notation  Remember, the decimal is at the end of the final zero.  The decimal must be moved behind the five to ensure that the coefficient is less than 10, but greater than or equal to one.  The coefficient will then read  The decimal will move 10 places to the left, making the exponent equal to 10. Answer equals x 10 10

 Now we try a number that is very small.  Change to scientific notation  The decimal must be moved behind the 9 to ensure a proper coefficient.  The coefficient will be 9.02  The decimal moves seven spaces to the right, making the exponent -7  Answer equals 9.02 x 10 -7

CALCULATING WITH SCIENTIFIC NOTATION Not only does scientific notation give us a way of writing very large and very small numbers, it allows us to easily do calculations as well. Calculators are very helpful tools, but unless you can do these calculations without them, you can never check to see if your answers make sense. Any calculation should be checked using your logic, so don't just assume an answer is correct.

 Rule for Addition and Subtraction - when adding or subtracting in scientific notation, you must express the numbers as the same power of 10. This will often involve changing the decimal place of the coefficient.  Add 3.76 x 10 4 and 5.5 x move the decimal to change 5.5 x 10 2 to x add the coefficients and leave the base and exponent the same: = x following the rules for rounding, our final answer is x 10 4

 Subtract (4.8 x 10 5 ) - (9.7 x 10 4 ) 1. move the decimal to change 9.7 x 10 4 to 0.97 x subtract the coefficients and leave the base and exponent the same: = 3.83 x round to correct number of significant digits: 3.83 x 10 5

 Rule for Multiplication - When you multiply numbers with scientific notation, multiply the coefficients together and add the exponents. The base will remain 10.  Multiply (3.45 x 10 7 ) x (6.25 x 10 5 ) 1. first rewrite the problem as: (3.45 x 6.25) x (10 7 x 10 5 ) 2. Then multiply the coefficients and add the exponents: x Then change to correct scientific notation and round to correct significant digits: 2.16 x  NOTE - we add one to the exponent because we moved the decimal one place to the left.

 Rule for Division - When dividing with scientific notation, divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents. The base will remain 10.  1 Divide 3.5 x 10 8 by 6.6 x rewrite the problem as: 3.5 x x Divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents to get: x Change to correct scientific notation and round to correct significant digits to get: 5.3 x 10 3  Note - We subtract one from the exponent because we moved the decimal one place to the right.