Worked examples
Two examples
Example 1
Write 45,000 in scientific notation.
- Move the point until one digit is in front of it: 4.5.
- It moved 4 places to the left, so the exponent is 4.
Answer: 4.5 × 104
Example 2
Write 0.00062 in scientific notation.
- Move the point to get 6.2.
- It moved 4 places to the right, so the exponent is −4.
Answer: 6.2 × 10−4
Where this is taught: Quiz 32: Scientific Notation, “Writing a big number: the point moves left”
The drill
Ten problems
This drill also has challenge problems. They use the same skill, set up the way the GED test sometimes sets up a problem, so that it looks new at first.
How many:
Type each answer like 4.5 x 10^6 (an x or a * is fine, and so is 4.5e6). The first number must be at least 1 and less than 10. Then press Check my answers at the bottom.Write each answer in scientific notation on the line. The answer key, with the reasoning, is on the last page.