How do you write 450,000 in scientific notation?

1 Answer
Sep 1, 2016

#4.50xx10^5#

Explanation:

Consider that any number written in scientific notation must contain only one integer followed by a decimal point and the required number of significant figures.

Also consider that #450 000 = 450 000.0#

Therefore, assuming three significant figures is required (a standard scientific practice), the given number may be generally written as;

#4.5xx10^n#, where #n# is an integer.

Given that the decimal place must essentially be "moved" #n# places to the left, we can say that:

#4.50xx10^5# = #450 000.0#, as the decimal point has been "moved" 5 places to the right.