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Post date: Mar 24, 2010 6:52:44 PM

Bell Ringer: What is scientific notation? What is it used for?

    • Questions on conversion worksheet?

    • Scientific notation

      • Used to express very large or very small numbers

      • General format is M x 10^n

        • M is the non-zero numbers at the left side of a very large or small number. M is always a number with only one digit to the left of the decimal

        • n tells us how far to move the decimal place (positive means right, negative means left)

        • e.g. 4.5 x 10^3 is the same as 4500 (decimal in 4.5 was moved to the right 3 places)

        • e.g. 6.8 x 10^-3 is the same as 0.0068 (decimal in 6.8 was moved to the left 3 places)

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    • Arithmetic with scientific notation

      • In order to add or subtract, we must first have common exponents for the x 10^n .

        • If n's are the same for each, add or subtract the M values and keep the "x 10^n" at the end

        • If n's are different, move the decimal in the M value until you have a common n for each, then add or subtract the M's.

      • To multiply

        • Multiply the M values to get the M for your product

        • Add the n values to the get the n for your product

      • To divide

        • Divide your M values to get the M for your quotient

        • Subtract your n values to get the n for your quotient

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