In this week I learned how to use scientific notation. I also learned how to put scientific notation into a calculator to help with my calculations. Scientific notation is used when you want to breakdown a very big number. The first number has to be under 10 and over 1.

For example:

982 000 000 000 000 = 9.82 x 10 ^14

there are 14 places that the decimal has to move so there is the exponent of 14.

 

Scientific notation also works in the negative with very very small numbers.

0. 000 000 000 673 = 6.73 x 10 ^-10

There are 10 places that the decimal has to move so that the 6 is before the decimal.