Exponents and Scientific Notation Flashcards

Grade 8 · Math · Flashcards

Essential exponent rules and scientific notation concepts at your fingertips.

Flashcards

Exponent: Tells how many times to multiply the base by itself; in 5^3, the exponent is 3
Base: The number being raised to a power; in 5^3, the base is 5
Product rule: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n); add exponents when multiplying same bases
Quotient rule: a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n); subtract exponents when dividing same bases
Power of a power rule: (a^m)^n = a^(m×n); multiply exponents
Zero exponent rule: a^0 = 1 for any nonzero a
Negative exponent rule: a^(-n) = 1/a^n; flip to the denominator
Scientific notation: Written as a × 10^n where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an integer
Converting large numbers: Count how many places the decimal moves left; that count is the positive exponent
Converting small numbers: Count how many places the decimal moves right; that count is the negative exponent
Multiplying in scientific notation: Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of 10
Dividing in scientific notation: Divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents of 10
Power of a product rule: (ab)^n = a^n × b^n