Algebra 1 · Polynomials & Exponents
Scientific Notation
Algebra 1 · Polynomials & Exponents
Definition
Scientific notation writes a number as a × 10^n, where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an integer.
Examples
- 4,500 = 4.5 × 103.
- 0.006 = 6 × 10−3.
Key rule
Move the decimal so one nonzero digit sits in front, then count places.
Memory hook
Scientific notation: one digit, a decimal, and a power of ten.