Scientific Notation - how to show very large and very small numbers

Reason For Learning

Scientific notation, or standard form, is a convenient way to represent very large or very small numbers. It allows the numbers to be easily recorded and read. Scientific notation is used extensively in the science and engineering fields. An understanding of how to read and operate on numbers expressed in this form is necessary for students entering these fields.

Learning Intention

You will learn how to express a number in standard scientific notation. You will apply index laws to perform operations on numbers expressed in scientific notation with and without a calculator. You will contemplate and investigate some real large and small numbers and their relationship using you new skills.

Key Vocabulary Terms

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    ACMNA182 Level 8

    Use index notation with numbers to establish the index laws with positive integral indices and the zero index

    ACMNA209 Level 9

    Apply index laws to numerical expressions with integer indices

    ACMNA210 Level 9

    Express numbers in scientific notation