How to Simplify Expressions With Powers of 10

When children are in middle school, they will learn how to simplify expressions in a variety of different ways. One such method for simplifying is by using scientific notation, which shortens a term using the powers of 10. Understanding scientific notation is one of the first steps toward understanding higher mathematics, such as using exponents and working with algebraic equations. Scientific notation is also used in higher sciences, such as physics.

Instructions

1. Write the expanded form of an expression on a sheet of paper. For example, write 245,000 on your paper.

2. Place your pencil after the number in the ones column.

3. Move the pencil until it is in between the 2 and the 4. Count how many numbers you cross over as you move.

4. Mark the new decimal point in between the 2 and the 4 where you pencil stopped.

5. Write the first part of the simplified expression as 2.45.

6. Multiply the beginning of the simplified expression by the power of 10, using the number you counted from before as the exponent. Your answer should be 2.45 X 10 to the power of 5 (because you crossed over five numbers when you moved your pencil).

References

• New York University: Scientific Notation

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish