How do you write #0.00206# in scientific notation?

1 Answer
Oct 31, 2015

#2.06xx10^(-3)#

Explanation:

When writing a number #a# in scientific notation, we write it in the form

#a' xx 10 ^ b#

where

#1 <= a' < 10#

To do this, we shift #a#'s decimal point such that we satisfy the above condition. The amount of shift of would translate to the value of #b# while the direction of the shift would translate to the sign. Shifting the decimal point to the right means #b# is negative. On the other hand, shifting the decimal point to the left would mean #b# is positive

Using the given number in the question as an example:

#a = 0.00206#

#a' = 2.06#

To get #a'#, we shifted the decimal point 3 places to the right.
This means

#b = -3#

Hence,

#0.00206 = 2.06 xx 10^-3#