Exponential notation

Here you will learn about exponential notation, including how to write an expression using exponential notation, simplify an expression written in exponent form, simplify expressions involving variables and exponential notations, and calculate the value of a term to the power of zero.

Students will first learn about exponential notation as a part of expressions and equations in 8 th grade math, and will continue to expand on the knowledge throughout high school.

What is exponential notation?

Exponential notation, also known as scientific notation or exponential form, is a way of representing numbers (constants) and variables (x and y) that have been multiplied by themselves a number of times.

Examples of expressions involving exponential notation:

Exponential notation is a simple way to express very large numbers or very small numbers. We use exponential notation, or exponents, to simplify expressions or solve equations involving powers, and is a simplified way to represent repeated multiplication and division.

Simplify \bf .

6 is being multiplied by itself 4 times (repeated multiplication).

Therefore write this as,

You would say this as “6 to the power of 4” .

Simplify \bf \times \textbf \times \textbf \times \textbf \times \textbf> .

x is being multiplied by itself 5 times (repeated multiplication).

Therefore write this as,

You would say this as “x to the power of 5” .

Simplify \bf \times 2 \textbf \times 2 \textbf \times 2 \textbf> .

In this question the term 2y is being multiplied by itself 4 times (repeated multiplication).

Therefore write this as,

Decimal numbers can also be expressed using exponential notation. The standard form for a decimal number is \text < a. >b \times 10^n.

The number 0.0032 can be written in exponential notation as 3.2 \times 10^.

[FREE] Exponential Notation Worksheet (Grade 8)

[FREE] Exponential Notation Worksheet (Grade 8)

[FREE] Exponential Notation Worksheet (Grade 8)

Use this worksheet to check your 8th grade students’ understanding of exponential notation. 15 questions with answers to identify areas of strength and support!

[FREE] Exponential Notation Worksheet (Grade 8)

[FREE] Exponential Notation Worksheet (Grade 8)

[FREE] Exponential Notation Worksheet (Grade 8)

Use this worksheet to check your 8th grade students’ understanding of exponential notation. 15 questions with answers to identify areas of strength and support!

What are significant figures?

Significant figures are each of the digits of a number that are used to express it to the required degree of accuracy, starting from the first nonzero digit.

Mathematicians use significant figures to ensure that measurements and calculations are presented with precision and accuracy.

Some of the key rules for determining significant figures include:

  1. All non-zero numbers are considered significant. For example, in the number 123, all three digits are significant (1, 2, 3).
  2. Leading zeros are not considered significant. For example, in the number 0.0091, only the digits 9 and 1 are considered significant.
  3. Trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point.