1. CHAPTER 2
2-11 SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION: A number that is GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1, but LESS THAN 10…
multiplied by a power of ten.
Example: Write 350 in Scientific Notation
350 = 3.50 x 102
You have to move the decimal point (to the left or right) to transform the number in a number
greater than or equal to 1, but less than 10, and then write the power of ten,
with the exponent indicating the number of places you moved the decimal point.
350 = 3.50 x 102

2. •Scientific Notation is a way of writing very large numbers or very small numbers by using
powers of ten.
•You can use what your know about multiplying and dividing by powers of ten to write
numbers in scientific notation.
•It is very useful in Science.
•EXAMPLES:
PLANET DISTANCE FROM SUN SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
Mercury 36,000,000 km 3.6 x 107
Earth 93,000,000 km 9.3 x 107

3. STEPS
1. Move the decimal point to make the number Greater than or Equal to 1, but less
than 10.
1. COUNT the places and NOTICE the DIRECTION you move the decimal point.
The Decimal Point can be moved to the right…
Example: .000597 in Scientific Notation 5.97 x ___ (4 places to the right)
The Decimal Point can be moved to the left…
Example: 670,600,000 in Scientific Notation 6.706 x ___(8 places to the left)
3. Write the Power of 10
5.97 X 10–4
6.706 X 108
WHY POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?...It depends on the result of the multiplication… the
result should be the same number that it was before writing it in scientific notation.
5.97 X 10–4 = .000597
6.706 X 108 = 670,600,000