Scientific Notation & Sig Figs

Scientific Inputs

Convert numbers to scientific notation and manage significant figures.

4
E

Scientific Notation

1.2345678e+3

Significant Figures

1235

Rounded to 4 significant digits

Notation Rules

Scientific Format
m × 10ⁿ

Where 1 ≤ |m| < 10 and n is an integer.

Significant Figures
  • Non-zero digits are always significant.
  • Zeros between non-zeros are significant.
  • Trailing zeros in the decimal part are significant.

Scientific Notation Guide Guide

How to Use

  1. 1Enter a decimal number to convert it to scientific notation.
  2. 2Or, switch modes to convert FROM scientific notation to a decimal.
  3. 3Adjust the number of Significant Figures (Sig Figs) to round your result.

Formula & Logic

Scientific notation is a way of expressing numbers that are too large or too small to be conveniently written in decimal form. The coefficient 'a' must be greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10.

a= Coefficient (number between 1 and 10)
n= Exponent (integer)

Practical Applications

Chemistry

Express quantities like Avogadro's constant (6.022 × 10²³) or the mass of an electron.

Physics

Write the speed of light (2.998 × 10⁸ m/s) or the universal gravitational constant.

Engineering

Simplify calculations involved in very precise measurements or large-scale distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What are Significant Figures (Sig Figs)?

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. Leading zeros are never significant, while non-zero digits always are.

Q.What is E-notation?

E-notation is a format often used by calculators and computers for scientific notation. For example, 2.5E4 means 2.5 × 10⁴.

Q.How do I multiply numbers in scientific notation?

Multiply the coefficients (a numbers) together and add the exponents (n numbers) together.