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
- There are 3 digits to the left of the decimal point
- Therefore the decimal point needs to moved 2 places to the left (n = 2)
- After the decimal point is moved, the digit to its left is 2, and the digits to its right are 971
- As a result, m = 2.971
- In Scientific Notation: 297.1 = 2.971 x 102