Question

When a value is given in scientific notation, how can you tell if the number is very large or very small? Explain.

Answer 1

If you have a small number in decimal form (smaller than 1, in absolute value), then the power is negative for the scientific notation; if it's a large number in decimal (bigger than 1, in absolute value), then the exponent is positive for the scientific notation.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Sample Response The exponent indicates how large or small the number is. A positive exponent moves the decimal to the right, which creates a very large number. On the other hand, a negative exponent moves the decimal to the left, which creates a very small number.