Answer
Step 1: Move the decimal point in the number until you obtain a value between 1 and 10.
Step 2: Count the number of decimal places the decimal has moved from the original number to the new number from step 1.
Step 3: Write in scientific notation using the formula $a\times10^{r}$.
$a$ represents the decimal value between 1 and 10. $r$ is the number of places your decimal has moved. If the decimal has moved to the left, $r$ is positive. If the decimal has moved to the right, $r$ is negative.
Work Step by Step
Ex. Convert $354,000,000$ into scientific notation
The decimal in $354,000,000$ is located after the last zero. To make the number a number between 1 and 10, we must move the decimal 8 places to the left. This leaves us with $3.54$.
Now we must display the given number in scientific notation.
$a$ is $3.54$
$r$ is $8$
$3.54\times10^{8}$
We can check our work by inputting this into our calculator, which leaves us with the standard form of $354,000,000$.
