Big numbers are cool, but when you have to write out a number like 1,000,000,000,000 (One Trillion) it can get tedious. But you don't have to write it out when you have scientific notation. So the number 1,000,000,000,000 becomes 1*10^12. They are the same number.So what you're doing is taking a big number like 2,100,000 and moving the decimal point over to the left until it's between the first and second digits (make sure you count how many spaces it goes over). So what you get is 2.1, now remember how many digits you brought the decimal point over (6), and then raise 10 to that power. You get 10^6 (which happens to be 1,000,000). Now times 2.1 and 10^6, You get 2,100,000. So it makes sense that 2.1*10^6 is the same thing as 2,100,000.
Now let's talk about the format: a*10^b. Where a is a number between 1 and 10, and b is an integer. Now a doesn't necessarily have to be a number between 1 and 10, but if you're dealing with numbers like 530*10^3, it's a lot easier to just move the decimal point over, and it becomes 5.3*10^5, which is a lot easier to figure out (10^5=100,000. 5.3*100,000=530,000) than 530*10^3 (10^3=1,000. Add one zero, 10,000. Multiply by 53: 530,000). b kinda has to be an integer, if it's a decimal point, it gets way to complicated. So Scientific Notation is a lot easier and shorter than writing out a really long number.
Finally, here's a number to figure out: 3,420,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,096 (which is also called Three Quattuordecillion Four Hundred Twenty Tredecillion and 96) here's a hint, look up what power of 10 Quattuordecillion is. I'll give the answer to the question in a few days. Have fun!
The Answer is 3.420000000000000000000000000000000000000000096 * 10^45
You have some great posts, but I have a suggestion. I would break your posts into shorter paragraphs. Your topics are a little intense to begin with, and when people see all that text, especially packed with numbers and equations and such, it can be so intimidating that they don't even try to read them.
ReplyDeleteWhite space, on the other hand, is peaceful and gives them a break. I think your posts would be less overwhelming with a more liberal use of breaks and wild space.
Just a suggestion....
Is that better?
ReplyDeleteI think that looks great.
ReplyDeleteResearch says that reading on a screen is harder than reading on paper--more fatiguing as well as taking more time--and people's eyes tend to glaze over long sections of text. So it makes it easier and more comprehensible when you break your text up into more digestible units for your readers.
12378927498785973489678585973075409750894209570438609759038690584096850398!-C353455r43659(cno#-56=46533L!)547897487658-777!= ????????????
ReplyDelete∞!
ReplyDeleteWork out THAT!
1*10^∞
ReplyDeleteYou never told us!
ReplyDelete