Question

What is 54,000 in scientific notation?

Answer 1

5.4*10^4

Explanation:

First, write the number as a decimal with only one digit before the decimal (5.4). Compare it to the original. Since we made the number smaller, the ten's exponent is positive. We moved four decimal places, so the exponent is 4.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

5.4 x 10^4

Explanation:

Round to the first significant number. Note that the amount of decimal points you move, you add 1 to the exponent.

54000

Note also that the significant number is the first number that shows up that IS NOT a 0. In this case, it will be a 5.

54000 = 5.4 x 10^4

5.4 x 10^4 is your answer.

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