Question

Write the quantities 3 x 10^-4 cm and 3 x 10^4 km in ordinary notation

Answer 1

To write quantities in ordinary notation, you need to notice the power of the exponent.
If the power is positive, then you move the decimal point to the right by the number the power in exponent tells you.
If the power is negative, then you move the decimal point to the left by the number the power in exponent tells you.

We have:
3 x 10^-4 : the power of exponent is negative, therefore, we will move the decimal point 4 places to the left.
3 x 10^-4 = 0.0003 km

3 x 10^4 : he power of exponent is positive, therefore, we will move the decimal point 4 places to the right.
3 x 10^4 = 30000 km