Exponential Notation

Definition and General Representation of Exponential or Scientific Notation

The short hand expression of a very large or a very small number by means of exponents is called Exponential or Scientific Notation. The powers to the base 10 are known as exponents. while integer number of 10 is called Exponential term.

Example:

602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Representing Avogadro's nion of umber, is more conveniently written in exponential notation as 6.02×10²³

Standard Scientific Notation

Standard scientific notation is one in which decimal point is after one digit of co-efficient number.

Rules of Determination of Numerical value of Exponents

Rules I-)

Exponent is positive, when decimal point is shifted towards left. The exponents is numerically equal to the number of places the decimal point has been moved. The numbers which are greater then one have positive exponents.

Rules II-)

Exponent is negative, when decimal point is shifted towards right. The exponents is numerically equal to the number of places the decimal point has been moved. The numbers which are less then one have negative exponents.

Significance

1. Minimization of Errors

The use of exponential notation aids in reducing the chance of mistakes while dealing with very large or very small numbers.

2. Time Saving

It takes less time to note very small or large number in scientific notations.

3. Memorization of values of constants

It is convenient of memorize different numerical values with very large or small number in scientific notation

4. Indication of significant digits

Scientific notation clearly indicates the number of significant figures.