1. Mathematical Toolkit Review

2. Significant Digits  Nonzero digits are always significant.  All final zeros to the right of the decimal point are significant.  Zeros between two other significant digits are always significant.  Zeros used solely for spacing the decimal point are not significant.

3. Scientific Notation  Expressing decimal places as a power of 10 M x 10 n  Where 1 ≤ M < 10 –One digit to the left of the decimal point  Scientific Notation with Calculators M En

4. Math Operations with Sig. Digits When Adding and Subtracting:  If the n values are the same, add the M values and keep the n value the same.  If the n values are not the same, move the decimal until they are the same and repeat the above step.  When the magnitude of one number is quite small compared to the other, its effect on the larger number is insignificant. The smaller number can be treated as zero.

5. Math Operations with Sig. Digits When Multiplying:  Multiply the M values.  Add the exponents (n) When Dividing:  Divide the M values.  Subtract the exponent divisor (bottom) from the exponent of the dividend (top). (top – bottom)