Scientific Notation on Calculators

Probably, you will use a calculator to do your calculations. I recommend that you use one that handles scientific notation and learn how to use it properly. The reason for this is that a calculator can treat a number like 1.23x10⁴ in two different ways. First, it can treat the number as a single numerical value written in a particular format, scientific notation. Second, it can treat the number as two separate numbers multiplied together, (1.23) times (10⁴). For our purposes the first approach is better.

To tell if your calculator handles scientific notation, look for an "EE" button or an "EXP" button. When using scientific notation on a calculator, do not type in "x10", the "EE" or "EXP" button replaces that part of the number. Instead, enter 1.23"EE"4 or 1.23"EXP"4. Also, make note of how that value is displayed in the screen of the calculator.

To make sure you are using your calculator correctly I would like you to work out the following calculations in the quick quiz on the next page. If you have errors, don't dismiss them lightly. Find out what is causing the error and correct it. Keep in mind that calculators do not know how to round off to the correct number of significant digits. You have to do that part.

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E-mail instructor: Eden Francis