Exponential Notation

RULE #1 - In scientific notation, the decimal point must be placed after the first significant figure. Examine the following examples: .12 = .12 x 10⁰ = 1.2 x 10^-1 = 12 x 10^-2...

345 = 345 x 10⁰ = 34.5 x 10¹ = 3.45 x 10²...

Only 1.2 x 10^-1 and 3.45 x 10² of the above are in correct scientific notation.

RULE #2 - In multiplication, exponents of the base are added: (2 x 10 ⁶) x (3 x 10 ³) = 6 x 10 ^{6 + 3} = 6 x 10 ⁷

(3 x 10 ⁵) x (3 x 10 ^-7) = 6 x 10 ^{5 + (-7)} = 9 x 10 ^-2

RULE #3 - In division, exponents of the base are subtracted: (6 x 10 ⁸) / (3 x 10 ³) = 2 x 10 ^{8 - 3} = 2 x 10 ⁵

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