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Small Numbers
Next, consider what is involved in changing small numbers into scientific notation.
| In the first line 0.01 is the same as 1/100 which is the same as one over
ten to the second, which, as we saw before, equals ten to the minus two. |
0.01 = 1 = 1 =
10-2
100 102 |
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| A number like .04 is the same as 4/100 or 4 over ten squared which equals
4 times ten to the minus 2. |
0.04 = 4 = 4 =
4 x 10-2
100 102 |
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| Another way of doing this is to move the decimal from where it is to just
right of the first non-zero number, the 4 in this case. Since the decimal must be moved 2
places to the right, the exponent is minus 2. So .04 is the same as 4 times 10 to the
minus 2. |
0.04 = 0.04 = 4 x 10-2
>>
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| When working with the number .0045, the decimal must be moved 3 places to
the right so the exponent is minus 3. So .0045 is the same as 4.5 times 10 to the minus 3.
Remember, in proper scientific notation, the correct position for the decimal place is
just to the right of the first non-zero digit. |
0.0045 = 4.5 = 4.5 = 4.5 x
10-3
1000 103 |
0.0045 = 0.0045 = 4.5 x 10-3
>>>
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E-mail instructor:
Eden Francis
Clackamas Community College
©1998, 1999, 2002, 2003 Clackamas Community College, Hal Bender, Eden Francis
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