Q. 177 - Intermediate Algebra

Question

When you convert a number from decimal notation to scientific notation, how do you know if the exponent will be positive or negative

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

If the number is less than $1$ and greater than$-1$  exponent will be negative and if the number is greater than $1$ or less than $-1$exponent will be positive

Step 1 Given information

Exponent will be positive or negative when a number is converted from decimal notation to scientific notation, 

Step 2 Explanation

Let the number be $a$

Consider $-1<a<1$

Then exponent will be negative

Consider$a<-1,a>1$

Then exponent will be positive