How do I convert scientific notation to a real number?

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Answer 1 · 2014-10-11T14:47:00

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

$0.0000456$