Powers of Ten and Scientific Notation Basics

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.

Write powers of ten like 10⁻³ in standard form and decide which numbers are in scientific notation. The directions on the page read: Follow the directions for each part. A number in scientific notation is a first factor at least 1 and less than 10, times a power of 10. 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.