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How to Write Decimals in Different Notations

Scientific notation is a method of writing very large or very small numbers, which often have numerous leading or trailing zeros, in a shorter form that involves multiplying 10 raised to an exponent. This notation gets its name due to its heavy usage in the sciences, which frequently work with gigantic or minuscule numbers. The number being converted is placed into decimal form, reducing the number of digits.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine how many decimal places must be moved to create the simplest decimal for a given number.
- 2
  For a small number, for example 0.0000823, count to the decimal place to the right of the 8. Multiply the number by 10 raised to the exponent of how many decimal points need to be moved: 8.23 x 10^5. Place a negative sign on the exponent since the solution would require moving the decimal point to the left: 8.23 x 10^-5.
- 3
  For a large number, for example 850, 000, 000.00 , count how many places the decimal point to the far right would have to move for it to fall between the 8 and the 5. Write the number in decimal form and multiply by 10 to the exponent of spots moved: 8.5 x 10^8. Note that the exponent stays positive since the solution of the notation would move the decimal point to the right.

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