How do you write 2,123.46 in scientific notation?

1 Answer
Meave60
Dec 8, 2015

#2123.46# is #2.12346xx10^3# in scientific notation.

Explanation:

Scientific notation involves a coefficient multiplied times the base 10 raised to a power. The coefficient may have only one nonzero digit, 1-9 inclusive, in front of the decimal. To convert a number to scientific notation, you must move the decimal so that only one nonzero digit is in front of the decimal. The size of the exponent is the same number of places the decimal moved. If the decimal is moved to the left, the exponent will be positive, and if it is moved to the right it will be negative.

#2123.46#

Move the decimal to the left so that it is between the #2# and #1#.

The coefficient is #2.12346#.

The decimal was moved to the left 3 places, so the exponent is #3#.

The complete answer is #2.12346xx10^3#.

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