Scientific Notation: Understanding 2.66×10^8 and 3.5×10^2
Scientific notation is a way of expressing very large or very small numbers in a more compact and readable form. It involves writing a number in the form of a × 10^n, where 'a' is a number between 1 and 10, and 'n' is an integer that indicates the power of 10. In this article, we will explore two examples of scientific notation: 2.66×10^8 and 3.5×10^2.
2.66×10^8
Let's break down the first example: 2.66×10^8. In scientific notation, the '2.66' is the coefficient, and the '10^8' is the base. The exponent '8' indicates that the base '10' should be raised to the power of 8.
Expanded Form To understand the value of 2.66×10^8, let's expand it: 2.66×10^8 = 2.66 × 100,000,000 = 266,000,000
As you can see, 2.66×10^8 is equal to 266 million.
3.5×10^2
Now, let's move on to the second example: 3.5×10^2. Again, we have a coefficient '3.5' and a base '10' with an exponent '2'.
Expanded Form To understand the value of 3.5×10^2, let's expand it: 3.5×10^2 = 3.5 × 100 = 350
As you can see, 3.5×10^2 is equal to 350.
Why Scientific Notation Matters
Scientific notation is essential in various fields such as science, engineering, and mathematics, where dealing with extremely large or small numbers is common. It provides a concise way of expressing complex numbers, making it easier to perform calculations and comparisons.
In conclusion, scientific notation is a powerful tool for expressing and working with large and small numbers. By understanding how to read and expand scientific notation, such as 2.66×10^8 and 3.5×10^2, we can better appreciate its importance in various fields.
