Scientific Notation

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.

Enter the numbers 6.67
then:

Then enter -11.

Your display should now look like this:

 

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