3/25/10
Post date: Mar 24, 2010 6:52:44 PM
Bell Ringer: What is scientific notation? What is it used for?
Questions on conversion worksheet?
Scientific notation
Used to express very large or very small numbers
General format is M x 10^n
M is the non-zero numbers at the left side of a very large or small number. M is always a number with only one digit to the left of the decimal
n tells us how far to move the decimal place (positive means right, negative means left)
e.g. 4.5 x 10^3 is the same as 4500 (decimal in 4.5 was moved to the right 3 places)
e.g. 6.8 x 10^-3 is the same as 0.0068 (decimal in 6.8 was moved to the left 3 places)
Do page 25: 1-2
Arithmetic with scientific notation
In order to add or subtract, we must first have common exponents for the x 10^n .
If n's are the same for each, add or subtract the M values and keep the "x 10^n" at the end
If n's are different, move the decimal in the M value until you have a common n for each, then add or subtract the M's.
To multiply
Multiply the M values to get the M for your product
Add the n values to the get the n for your product
To divide
Divide your M values to get the M for your quotient
Subtract your n values to get the n for your quotient
Do page 26: 1-2
Take-home math skills quiz
Due monday
open notes, open books