Scientific Notation: m x 10n, 1 ≤ m < 10 and n is an integer
Conversion Procedure for a Given Number in Standard Form:
- Move the decimal point to where there is only one digit greater than 0 to its left
- Moving the decimal point n places to the left corresponds to a positive n (n), and moving the decimal point n places to the right corresponds to a negative n (-n)
- m is equal to the number formed by the digit to the left of the new decimal point location, and any digit(s) to its right less trailing 0s
Application of Conversion Procedure to 0.00043
- The first nonzero digit to the right of the decimal point is 4 places from the decimal point
- Therefore the decimal point needs to be moved 4 places to the right (n = -4)
- After the decimal point is moved, the digit to its left is 4, and the digit to its right is 3
- As a result, m = 4.3
- In Scientific Notation: 0.00043 = 4.3 x 10-4
