Is It Scientific Notation? Sort and Fix

Hand out the Scientific Notation Reference Sheet first. Work the whole number sheet before the decimal sheet, then use the sorting and matching sheets as checks before estimating.

Sort cards like 31.7 × 10⁻² and 6.08 × 10⁻⁶ by whether they are in scientific notation and fix the rest. The directions on the page read: Write the letters of the cards in scientific notation in the left box. Write the other letters on the right and rewrite each of those numbers in scientific notation. Use ABC order. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade scientific notation, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Move the decimal point right until the number is at least 1 and less than 10, and use the number of places as a negative exponent. So 0.0045 = 4.5 × 10⁻³. Convert Both Ways, Decimals Less Than One practices this.

The first factor must be at least 1 and less than 10, and 45 is too large. Move the decimal point one place left and add 1 to the exponent to get 4.5 × 10⁴. Fix Numbers Not in Scientific Notation has students repair forms like this.

Move the decimal point right for a positive exponent or left for a negative exponent, as many places as the exponent shows. So 6.1 × 10³ = 6,100. Match Scientific Notation to Standard Form practices this with a lettered bank.