Scientific Notation Calculator Formula & How It Works
a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ |a| < 10 | Multiply: (a×10ⁿ)(b×10ᵐ) = (a×b)×10^(n+m)
- Coefficient a: must satisfy 1 ≤ |a| < 10
- Move decimal left → positive exponent
- Move decimal right → negative exponent
- Divide: (a×10ⁿ)/(b×10ᵐ) = (a/b)×10^(n−m)
Scientific notation expresses very large (6.022×10²³ atoms/mol) or very small (1.6×10⁻¹⁹ coulombs) numbers compactly. To convert: move the decimal until the coefficient is between 1 and 10; count moves for the exponent. Right moves → negative exponent. When multiplying, add exponents; when dividing, subtract them.