Prentice Hall Algebra 1

7-2 Scientific Notation

Objectives

To write numbers in scientific and standard notation

To compare and order numbers using scientific notation

Solve it: Darius says, “That’s an awful lot of digits for such small numbers.”
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In the Solve It, you worked with very small numbers. Scientists and mathematicians write very small or very large numbers, such as the masses of subatomic particles or the diameters of planets, using powers of 10.

Essential Understanding You can use powers of 10 to write and compare very large or very small numbers more easily. Scientific notation is a shorthand way to write numbers using powers of 10.

You can use a scientific calculator to work with numbers in scientific notation. The E on a calculator readout stands for exponentiation. The readout 1.35E8 means 1.35 , times , 10 to the eighth , comma  or 135,000,000. The begin circle ,  key lets you input an exponent for a power of 10. So to enter 4 times , 10 to the sixth , comma  you can enter 4 begin circle ,  6.


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Table of Contents

Prentice Hall Algebra 1 Chapter 1 Foundations for Algebra Chapter 2 Solving Equations Chapter 3 Solving Inequalities Chapter 4 An Introduction to Functions Chapter 5 Linear Functions Chapter 6 Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 7 Exponents and Exponential Functions Chapter 8 Polynomials and Factoring Chapter 9 Quadratic Functions and Equations Chapter 10 Radical Expressions and Equations Chapter 11 Rational Expressions and Functions Chapter 12 Data Analysis and Probability Skills Handbook Reference Visual Glossary Selected Answers Index Acknowledgments