● understand how to write numbers in scientifi c (index) notation
In Linking Thinking 1, we dealt with writing numbers greater than or equal to 1 in index notation. We will now also look at writing numbers less than 1 and greater than 0.
Writing a number in index form a × 10 n 1
where 1 ≤a< 10
Move the decimal place to the left or right until the fi rst digit is equal to or greater than 1 and less than 10.
2 3
Count the number of times you had to move the decimal place to the left or right in Step 1. Call this value n .
Write × 10 n ●
● after the number you found in Step 1.
n is positive if you moved the decimal place to the left. n is negative if you moved the decimal place to the right.
Worked example 1 Write the following in scientifi c (index) notation. (i) 85 470 000
Solution (i)
Remember: Scientifi c (or index) notation is when a number is written in the form a × 10 n
a is a number equal to or greater than 1 and less than 10 ( 1 ≤ a < 10 ) and n ∈ℤ .
, where
(ii) 0·0005678
(iii)
0·00400687
(ii)
(iii)
Using your calculator to perform operations on numbers in scientifi c (index) notation To type a number into your calculator in index form, you must use the × 10 n you use depends on which brand of calculator you use. To enter 1 ⋅ 3 × 102