Convert numbers to and from scientific notation, and perform arithmetic operations with ease.
Quick Answer:Enter a number to instantly see it in scientific notation (e.g., 123000 = 1.23 x 10^5), or select an operation to calculate with two numbers in scientific notation.
Result in Scientific Notation
Calculating...
Standard Notation
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E Notation
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Coefficient
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Exponent (Power of 10)
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When working with scientific notation in programming, be aware that floating-point precision can introduce tiny errors. For critical calculations (financial, scientific research), use arbitrary-precision libraries. Also remember that JavaScript's Number.toExponential() method can help verify your results, but it always uses lowercase 'e' notation rather than the traditional "x 10^n" format.
Scientific notation expresses numbers as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. It is used to conveniently represent very large numbers like 3.0 x 10^8 (speed of light in m/s) or very small numbers like 1.6 x 10^-19 (charge of an electron in coulombs). It simplifies calculations and makes it easier to compare magnitudes.
To multiply, multiply the coefficients and add the exponents: (a x 10^m) x (b x 10^n) = (a*b) x 10^(m+n). To divide, divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents: (a x 10^m) / (b x 10^n) = (a/b) x 10^(m-n). Then normalize so the coefficient is between 1 and 10.
To add or subtract, first convert both numbers to the same power of 10 (usually the larger exponent). Then add or subtract the coefficients while keeping the exponent the same. Finally, normalize the result so the coefficient is between 1 and 10. For example: 3.2 x 10^4 + 1.5 x 10^3 = 3.2 x 10^4 + 0.15 x 10^4 = 3.35 x 10^4.