Scientific Notation Flashcards

Grade 8 · Math · Flashcards

Master the vocabulary and rules of scientific notation.

Flashcards

Scientific notation: Expressing a number as a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10.
Coefficient: The a part in scientific notation; a number from 1 to just under 10.
Positive exponent: Tells you the decimal moves LEFT in standard form — the number is large (≥10).
Negative exponent: Tells you the decimal moves RIGHT in standard form — the number is small (<1).
Converting large → sci. notation: Move decimal left until 1 ≤ coefficient < 10; count moves = positive exponent.
Converting small → sci. notation: Move decimal right until 1 ≤ coefficient < 10; count moves = negative exponent.
Multiplying sci. notation: Multiply coefficients, add exponents. Adjust if coefficient ≥ 10.
Dividing sci. notation: Divide coefficients, subtract exponents. Adjust if coefficient < 1.
Adding/subtracting sci. notation: Exponents must match first; then add/subtract coefficients, keep the exponent.
Order of magnitude: The power of 10 closest to a number — used to estimate or compare.
Standard form: The normal way to write a number without powers of 10 (e.g., 45,000).
3.0 × 10⁰: Equals 3 × 1 = 3; any number to the 0 power is 1.