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Scientific NotationIntroductionSometimes the numbers that we work with are very large or very small, and several zeros are used to hold the decimal place. With such numbers, we may use a different way of writing them. It is called scientific notation. If you already know how to write and interpret numbers in scientific notation, feel free to move on to the next topic. Or, test your knowledge with the quick quiz at the end of this section, then decide how to continue. Scientific notation makes use of the powers of ten to indicate the magnitude or size of very large numbers, or very small numbers. The use of scientific notation eliminates the need for zeros to hold the decimal place, so zeros shown in scientific notation are significant digits. (Significant digits come up later in this lesson.) In proper scientific notation the decimal place is adjusted to the position just right of the first non-zero digit (the first significant digit). The pages in this section deal first with exponents and powers of 10, then with writing and adjusting numbers in scientific notation, and a few tips to keep in mind when using calculators. |
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Distance Learning questions Clackamas Community College
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