Overview
On this page, we review scientific notation to write down very large and very small numbers efficiently.
Basic Learning Objectives
These are the tasks you should be able to perform with reasonable fluency when you arrive at your next class meeting. Important new vocabulary words are indicated in italics.
- Convert numbers to and from scientific notation.
- Add and subtract numbers in scientific notation.
Advanced Learning Objectives
In addition to mastering the basic objectives, here are the tasks you should be able to perform after class, with practice:
- Multiply and divide numbers in scientific notation.
- Understand the concept of significant digits and apply this to correctly round final answers.
To prepare for class
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Watch the following video (by Veritasium) which introduces the concept of scientific notation:
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Watch the following video (by Tyler Wallace) which explains how to convert numbers to or from scientific notation:
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Watch the following video (by Tyler Wallace) whichs explain how to write numbers which are given in “almost” scientific notation in proper scientific notation:
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Watch the following video (by Marija Kero of eHowEducation) whichs explains how to add or subtract numbers in scientific notation:
After class
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Watch the following videos (by Tyler Wallace) which explain how to evaluate products and quotients of numbers given in scientific notation:
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Watch the following video (by Hank Green of CrashCourse Chemstry) which discusses scientific notation in the context of unit conversions, as well as the topic of significant figures:
