How to Convert Numeric String to Scientific Notation
Working with extremely large or small numbers in some branches of science requires you to put the number into scientific notation to make the number easier to read and compare. There is a simple method for converting a decimal into scientific notation.
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Instructions
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Write the number normally. For example, suppose you want to convert the number 3,982,300,000 into scientific notation.
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Move the implied decimal point at the end of the number to the left until you end up with a number between 1 and 10 and round the decimal to three digits. (You may need more, depending on the application.) In the example of 3,982,300,000, you would move the decimal nine spaces, leaving you with 3.982.
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Add "E," then the number of spaces you moved the decimal. Therefore, 3,982,300,000 in scientific notation is 3.982E9. It can also be expressed as "3.982 * 10^9." The "E" notation is used most often in computer programs or in typing shorthand to represent "10 raised to the power of n."
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