Standard Form: 5 x 10^2
In mathematics, standard form is a way of writing very large or very small numbers in a more compact and readable format. It is also known as scientific notation. In this article, we will explore the standard form of the number 5 x 10^2.
What is Standard Form?
Standard form is a way of writing numbers in the format:
a x 10^n
where:
- a is a number between 1 and 10
- n is an integer (whole number)
This format makes it easier to perform calculations and compare the sizes of very large or very small numbers.
5 x 10^2 in Standard Form
The number 5 x 10^2 is already in standard form. Let's break it down:
- a = 5 (between 1 and 10)
- n = 2 (an integer)
So, the standard form of 5 x 10^2 is... 5 x 10^2!
Expanded Form
If we want to write 5 x 10^2 in expanded form, we multiply 5 by 10^2:
5 x 10^2 = 5 x 100 = 500
So, the expanded form of 5 x 10^2 is 500.
Real-World Applications
Standard form is used in many real-world applications, such as:
- Science: to express very large or very small measurements, like the distance between stars or the size of atoms
- Engineering: to design and calculate the dimensions of buildings, bridges, and other structures
- Finance: to express large financial numbers, like company profits or national debts
In conclusion, the standard form of 5 x 10^2 is a convenient way of writing a large number in a compact and readable format. It is an essential tool in many fields, including science, engineering, and finance.
