SCIENTIFIC NOTATION RULES

Rules for converting to Scientific Notation One non-zero number before the decimal One digit after the decimal If you are making a large number look smaller, you move the decimal to the left and your exponent is positive If you are making a small number look larger, you move the decimal to the right and the exponent is negative

Rules for converting from scientific notation If the exponent is positive you move the decimal to the right If the exponent is negative you move the decimal to the left

Adding or Subtracting Scientific Notation Determine the number by which to increase the smaller exponent by so it is equal to the larger exponent. Increase the smaller exponent by this number and move the decimal point of the number with the smaller exponent to the left the same number of places. Add or subtract the new coefficients If the answer is not in scientific notation (i.e. if the coefficient is not between 1 and 10) convert it to scientific notation.

Multiplying in scientific notation Multiply the coefficients together. Add the exponents

Dividing in scientific Notation Divide the coefficient in the numerator by the coefficient in the denominator Subtract the exponent in the denominator by the exponent in the numerator Convert to scientific notation