It may look hard, but once you get the hang of it...it isn't hard at all.
Basically, it's used to express very large or very small numbers, using powers of 10.
It's just a shorter method.
Instead of writing:
we write:
The first number, 7.53, is called the coefficient.
It must be in between 1 and 10. Greater or equal to 1, and less than 10.
The second number is called the base. It must always be 10 in scientific notation. In the equation above, the number -8 is the exponent, or in other words, the power of 10.
So how do we convert units into scientific notation?
For example:
NOW WHAT?
It's actually pretty simple.
Make sure you cancel out units as you go!
So now you're left with 9.2 km3 and 103.
But wait! 103 is the denominator! You can't divide 9.2km3 into 103.
So to bring 103 up to the top, you have to make the exponent negative.
Your final answer should be:
See? It wasn't too bad. As you practice, you'll just keep getting better and better.
"Take your time, don't rush, and you'll be fine." -Ms. Chen
Still not getting it? Try watching this useful video on scientific notation.
No comments:
Post a Comment