Large numbers

A number is in scientific notation if it is a decimal times a power of 10.

There can only be one digit to the left of the decimal point, and that digit must not be zero.

The digit can be positive or negative.

The power of 10 can be positive, negative or 0.

The power must be an integer.

3.6 x 10¹ is in scientific notation, but 36, 3.6 x 9¹ and 3.6 x 10^½ are not.

-4.55 x 10^-2 is in scientific notation, but -0.45 x 10^-1 and -0.045 are not.

7.0 x 10⁰ is in scientific notation, but 7 is not.

We want there to be only 1 number to the left of the decimal point.

We move the decimal point so that there is only 1 digit to its left, this digit must not be 0.

If we move the decimal point 2 places to the left then we write the decimal and 10².

If we move 5 places to the left we write the decimal and 10⁵.

If we move x spaces to the left then we write the decimal and 10^x.

Similarly for decimals

If we don't move the decimal point at all then we write the decimal and multiply by 10⁰.

     7.36 = 7.36     (no spaces moved)

            = 7.36 x 10⁰