Standard form

Standard form (also called scientific notation) is a way of writing very large or very small numbers concisely. It is written as A × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ A < 10. **The Format:** A × 10ⁿ - A must be between 1 and 10 (including 1, but not 10) - n is a positive integer for large numbers - n is a negative integer for small numbers **Converting to Standard Form:** - Large numbers: count places the decimal moves LEFT → positive power - Small numbers: count places the decimal moves RIGHT → negative power **Examples:** - 45,000 = 4.5 × 10⁴ (decimal moved 4 places left) - 0.0032 = 3.2 × 10⁻³ (decimal moved 3 places right) **Converting from Standard Form:** - Positive power: move decimal RIGHT - Negative power: move decimal LEFT **Calculations:** - Multiply: multiply the A values, add the powers - Divide: divide the A values, subtract the powers - May need to adjust if A is not between 1 and 10 **Exam Tips:** - Check 1 ≤ A < 10 - Positive powers = big numbers, negative powers = small numbers - Use your calculator EXP or ×10ⁿ button