Scientific notation writes a number as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten. It makes very large and very small numbers readable, and the exponent records how far the decimal point moved.
Math Dictionary / Scientific Notation
Scientific Notation
Scientific notation writes a number as a value from 1 to less than 10 times a power of 10.
Number SystemGrade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
It makes very large or very small numbers easier to read and calculate.
Also called: powers of ten notation
Examples
| 5400 = 5.4 x 10^3 |
| 0.0062 = 6.2 x 10^-3 |
| 3.1 x 10^5 = 310000 |
Common mistake
The first factor must be at least 1 and less than 10.
Try one
Question: Write 72,000 in scientific notation.
Show answer
72,000 = 7.2 x 10^4.