| Small Numbers Written in Scientific Notation |
When you see a number written like this:
you shouldn't reach for your calculator to solve the equation. This is
a number written in scientific notation.the x10-11 means you should move
the decimal to the left 11 places. If you were to write this number out
longhand it would look like this: .0000000000667 |
| Large Numbers Written in Scientific Notation |
Scientific notation is merely a shorthand method for writing
the number. If a number looks like this
this means move the decimal to the right 23 places. This number written
out longhand would look like this: 602000000000000000000000 |
| Using Your TI Calculator |
If you have to enter the gravitational constant
into your calculator do not punch 6.67 then the times button
then 10 then the exponent button and then -11.
That would mean you are entering a mathematical operation and not a
shorthand way of writing the full number. DO NOT ENTER THE NUMBER IN
THIS WAY!!!! Use the scientific notation button. On your TI-scientific
calculator punch the number in the following way.
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Enter the numbers 6.67
then:
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Then enter -11.
Your display should now look like this:

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