Expressing a number in scientific notation involves representing it as a product of two parts: a coefficient and a power of ten. The coefficient is a number typically between 1 and 10 (but can be negative), and the power of ten indicates the number’s magnitude. For instance, 0.0098 can be rewritten so that the decimal point is moved three places to the right, resulting in 9.8. To compensate for this shift, the number is multiplied by 10 raised to the power of -3.
Representing numbers in this format is vital for several reasons. It provides a concise way to express very large or very small numbers, eliminating the need to write out numerous zeros. This simplifies calculations and reduces the risk of errors when working with extreme values. Furthermore, it is universally recognized across scientific disciplines, ensuring clarity and consistency in communication. Historically, this notation became indispensable as scientific inquiry expanded to encompass phenomena occurring at both macroscopic and subatomic scales.
