1 Chapter 2 Measurements 2.2 Scientific Notation Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

2 Scientific Notation Scientific notation Is used to write very large or very small numbers For the width of a human hair of m is written as: 8 x m Of a large number such as s is written as: 2.5 x 10 6 s Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

3 2.2 Scientific Notation A number in scientific notation contains a coefficient and a power of 10. coefficient power of ten coefficient power of ten 1.5 x x To write a number in scientific notation, the decimal point is moved after the first digit. The spaces moved are shown as a power of ten = 5.2 x = 3.78 x spaces left 3 spaces right

4 Some Powers of Ten

5 Comparing Numbers in Standard and Scientific Notation Here are some numbers written in standard format and in scientific notation: Number in Standard Format Scientific Notation Diameter of Earth m1.28 x 10 7 m Mass of a human 68 kg 6.8 x 10 1 kg Length of a pox virus cm3 x cm

6 Learning Check Select the correct scientific notation for each. A ) 8 x ) 8 x ) 0.8 x B ) 7.2 x ) 72 x ) 7.2 x 10 -4

7 Solution Select the correct scientific notation for each. A ) 8 x B ) 7.2 x 10 4

8 Learning Check Write each as a standard number. A. 2.0 x ) 2002) ) B. 1.8 x ) ) )

9 Solution Write each as a standard number. A. 2.0 x ) B. 1.8 x )