How do I convert scientific notation to a real number?

1 Answer
Oct 11, 2014

A number in scientific notation is in the form

#a * 10^b#

To convert to a real number, write out #a# then move the decimal point depending on #b#'s sign.

If #b# is positive, move the decimal point to the right
If #b# is negative, move the decimal point to the left

For example,

#1.23 * 10^5#

Moving the decimal point 5 places to the right, we have

#123000#


#4.56 * 10^-5#

Moving the decimal point 5 places to the left, we have

#0.0000456#