How do you put a number into scientific notation?

Answer 1

Count the number of spaces to move the decimal until the number has one (non-zero) digit to the left of the decimal. If the original number is larger than 1, then the exponent is positive, if smaller than 1 the exponent is negative. The exponent is that number of spaces that the decimal was moved. EX: 5100 = 5.1 x 102 and 0.00064 = 6.4 x 10-4

Answer 2

To put a number into scientific notation, first identify the decimal point's position to get a number between 1 and 10. Then, write this number followed by the multiplication sign "×" and 10 raised to the power of the decimal places the decimal point moved. If the decimal point moves to the left, the exponent is positive, and if it moves to the right, the exponent is negative.