Scientific Notation: Sample Problems

Try each one on paper first. Only then reveal the solution — reading a worked answer you never attempted teaches you almost nothing.

1. 1. Convert 6,780,000 to scientific notation with 3 significant figures.

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2. 2. Multiply (4.0 × 10⁻³)(5.0 × 10⁸).

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3. 3. Divide (6.4 × 10⁻²) by (8.0 × 10³).

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4. 4. Add 4.5 × 10⁵ and 6.0 × 10⁴.

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5. 5. How many atoms are in 2.50 moles? Use 6.022 × 10²³ atoms/mol.

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Al says…

One rule fixes almost every mistake: the coefficient must be at least 1 and less than 10. Move the decimal left and the exponent goes up; move it right and the exponent goes down.