9.75 x 10^5
A number in scientific notation has the form <em>a x 10^b</em> where
• a is the <em>coefficient</em>
• b is the <em>exponent</em>
Here are the steps to convert a number greater than 1 to scientific notation.
a) Find the coefficient
Put the decimal point after the first digit and drop the trailing zeroes
<u>9.75</u> 000
The coefficient is 9.75
.
b) Find the exponent
Count the number of digits after the first digit.
In 975 000 there are five digits after the 9. Therefore, the exponent is 5.
c) Write the number
We write 975 000 as 9.75 x 10^5.
