What is the scientific notation of 1250?

2 Answers
Mar 26, 2015

#1.25xx10^3#

Mar 26, 2015

The number 1250 in scientific notation is #1.25xx10^3#.

The first number is the coefficient, and can only have a single digit in front of the decimal, i.e. 1 - 9 inclusive. The exponent on the base 10 is determined by how many places the decimal is moved, and in which direction. The exponent is the same number as the number of places the decimal is moved. If it is moved to the left, the exponent is positive, and if it is moved to the right, the exponent is negative.

In this case, the decimal was moved to the left 3 places, so the exponent on the base 10 will be 3. The zero was not included because the way the original number was written, it is not a significant figure.