How do you put things in scientific notation?

Answer 1

To put things in scientific notation, you must convert them to a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by 10 to some power. For example, 307 = 3.07 x 102. Since 102 is 100, 3.07 x 100 = 307.

Take 14567 for example. To convert this to a number between 1 and 10, we have to make it 1.4567 times ten to the something. We moved the decimal point 4 places to the left, so the answer is 1.4567 x 10-4.

If you move the decimal place to the left, as in the second example, the exponent is negative. If you move it to the right, as in the first example, it's positive.

To change a number from scientific notation to standard notation, simple move the decimal point the same number of places as the exponent, to the left if it's negative and right if it's positive (for example, 4.05 x 104 = 4050 and 3.5 x 10-5 = .000035).