EXPONENTS
So say you have 2 to the 3rd power. The answer is 8. Now you probably are wondering how to solve that. So let me explain that to you.
ATTENTION: DO NOT DO 2 x 3 = 6.
This the right way to do it!
- Find out what the base and exponent is.
Example 2=base and 3=exponent - You need to think in your head what 2 multiplied 3 times is.
Example 2 x 2 x 2 - Solve the equation.
Example 2 x 2 x 2 = 8
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
Scientific notation is a way of writing a shorter version of a really big number. Here's an example.
The closest star to the Sun is the Alpha Centauri. It is 43,000,000,000,000 km away. When I write it in scientific notation which is 4.3 x 10 to the 13 power, it is much easier than to write it as 43,000,000,000,000.
Here's how I got the answer.
- You always put the decimal point after the first number.
Example 4.3 - Then count how many decimal spots you move from the right until you get to the decimal point.
Example For 43,000,000,000,000, I counted 13 spots. - Finally, you will write the number that you put the decimal point between then you would put down 10 to the 13 power.
Example 4.3 x 10 to the 13 power
Down below is a link that you can look at to get more information about the scientific notation!
http://www.kidscosmos.org/kid-stuff/sci-note.html
