Question

How do you write `4392.7` in scientific notation?

Answer 1

4.3927 `xx 10^3`

Explanation:

In scientific notation there is to be only one number to the left of the decimal. The decimal must be moved three places to the left to put 4 as the only digit to the left of the decimal.

To maintain the value of the number it must be multiplied by a a power of ten. As the decimal has been moved three places to the left making the number smaller the power of ten must be larger by three powers of ten. ( the decimal was moved three places. )

The number of significant numbers ( numbers that have been measured) must be preserved to indicate the precision of the number. There are five numbers in # 4392.7 so all five of these numbers must be expressed in scientific notation. so the answer is

`4.3827 xx 10^3`

Answer 2

Rounded: `4.4 * 10^3`

Unrounded: `4.3927 * 10^3`

Explanation:

The goal of scientific notation is to have a small number (the ones place, usually with a decimal) multiplied by `10` to a power.

By multiplying by `10^3`, the decimal place is moved left `3` digits, making the number `4.3927*10^3`.

Hope this helps!