1.5 Scientific Notation
 Scientific notation allows us to write very large (i.e. far from zero) or very small numbers
(actually numbers close to zero) more compactly.
Numerical Factor
1, 200, 000, 000
Standard Notation

1. 2
10 9
Scientific Notation
 The numerical factor should be greater than or equal to 1 but less than 10.
 The exponent of 9 above comes from the fact that we moved the decimal 9 places to the
left. (10 9 basically means multiply by ten 9 times).
0. 000000067  6. 7  10 −8
Note that here we move the decimal 8 places to the right. Thus, the exponent is negative.
(10 −8 basically means DIVIDE by ten 8 times).
 Convert these from standard notation to scientific notation:
1. −23, 100, 000
2. 0. 0067
 Convert these from scientific notation to standard notation:
1. 9  10 5
2. −9. 21  10 −12
 You can enter scientific notation into the TI-83. Type the numerical factor then the EE
key ( 2nd -
,
). Next type in your exponent (remember to include negative sign if
needed).
On the display 6. 02  10 23 looks like 6.02E23.
 Convert these calculator displays to scientific notation and then to standard notation.
1. 1.35E-8
2. -2E11
1