SCIENTIFIC NOTATION ON A CALCULATOR

On many scientific calculators, you can enter numbers in scientific notation by using a function labeled “ee” or “EE”. Usually, the letter “E” takes the place of “x10”. So, the number 4.1 x 10⁹ would appear as 4.1E9 on the calculator.

Example 1 : 

Simplify the expression given below using calculator and write your answer in scientific notation.  

(4 x 10⁵) + (0.1 x 10⁷)

Solution : 

Step 1 : 

Find 4 x 10⁵ + 0.1 x 10⁷.

Enter 4E5 + 0.1E7 on your calculator.

Step 2 : 

Write the results from your calculator : 1.4E6.

Write this number in scientific notation :

4 x 10⁵) + (0.1 x 10⁷)  =  1.4 x 10⁶

Example 2 :

Multiply using calculator and write your answer in scientific notation.  

(3.2 x 10⁵) x (26.7 x 10³)

Solution :

Step 1 :

Find (3.2 x 10⁵) x (26.7 x 10³).

Enter 3.2E5 x 26.7E3 on your calculator.

Step 2 :

Write the results from your calculator : 8.544E9.

Write this number in scientific notation :

(3.2 x 10⁵) x (26.7 x 10³)  =  8.544 x 10⁹

Example 3 :

The table shows the approximate areas for three continents given in square meters. What is the total area of these three continents ? Write the answer in scientific notation using more appropriate units.

Solution : 

Step 1 :

Find 4.4 x 10¹³ + 3.02 x 10¹³ + 1.04 x 10¹³.

Enter 4.4E13 + 3.02E13 + 1.04E13 on your calculator.

Step 2 : 

Write the results from your calculator : 8.46E13.

Write this number in scientific notation :

8.46 x 10¹³ square meter

Step 3 :

Since square kilometers is more appropriate, lets convert square meters into square kilometers.

Write this number in scientific notation :

Because 1 km  =  1,000 m, we have 

1 km²  =  1000² m²

1 km²  =  10⁶ m²

So, to convert square meters into square kilometers, we have to divide by 10⁶. 

    8.46 x 10¹³ m²  =  (8.46 x 10¹³ /  10⁶) km²

8.46 x 10¹³ m²  =  8.46 x 10⁷ km²

Hence, the total area of these three continents is 

8.46 x 10⁷ square kilometers

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