What is Scientific Notation?

Scientific notation consists of a factor and a power of 10. The factor must be between 1 and 10, with one significant figure to the left of the decimal. Zero is not significant. Examples of incorrect notation are given, emphasizing the importance of having exactly one significant figure to the left of the decimal point.

What two components make up scientific notation?

• A fraction and a decimal

• A variable and a constant

• A factor and a power of 10

• A numerator and a denominator

Which of the following numbers can be a factor in scientific notation?

• 0.5

• 10

• 5

• 15

Why is the digit '0' not considered significant in scientific notation?

• Because it does not affect the value

• Because it is not a whole number

• Because it is not between 1 and 10

• Because it cannot be to the left of the decimal

What is required for a number to be in scientific notation?

• Two significant figures to the left of the decimal

• One significant figure to the left of the decimal

• No significant figures to the left of the decimal

• Three significant figures to the left of the decimal

Which of the following is NOT a valid example of scientific notation?

• 7.1 x 10^2

• 3.2 x 10^4

• 0.32 x 10^5

• 5.6 x 10^3