For very large or very small numbers - avoids typing long strings of zeros and prevents rounding errors.
In short: Scientific notation, or standard form, writes a number as a × 10^k and is entered with the calculator's EE or ×10ⁿ key, not by typing the multiplication and the power separately. Using the key keeps the number as one value, so later calculations stay accurate and the result can be written back in standard form.
| TI-84 Plus CE | Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100 | TI-Nspire CX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key sequence | Use 2nd → , (EE) to enter the ×10 part: type 3.2 2nd , 8 to enter 3.2×10⁸. Do NOT type ×10^ separately. | Use the ×10ˣ key (EXP key) - type 3.2 then EXP then 8. Do NOT type ×10^ manually. | Use the EE key (or type ×10^ from the keyboard template) to enter scientific notation. Or just type 3.2×10^8 using the ^ key. |
Tip: A common mistake is typing ×10^ instead of using the EE/EXP key - this gives ×10×... (multiplication, then a power) rather than proper scientific notation.
Tip: A common mistake is typing ×10^ instead of using the EE/EXP key - this gives ×10×... (multiplication, then a power) rather than proper scientific notation.
Tip: A common mistake is typing ×10^ instead of using the EE/EXP key - this gives ×10×... (multiplication, then a power) rather than proper scientific notation.
Here's a real IB-style question that uses exactly this technique.
The mass of one particle is 3.2 × 10⁻⁵ kg. Find the total mass of 4000 such particles, giving your answer in standard form to 2 significant figures.
For very large or very small numbers - avoids typing long strings of zeros and prevents rounding errors. A quantity given in standard form in the question, e.g. a mass or distance with a ×10ⁿ term. A calculated answer that comes out as a very large or very small decimal, needing standard form for the final answer.
1. Scientific notation means a × 10ⁿ, e.g. 3.2 × 10⁸ or 4.5 × 10⁻³. 2. Use 2nd → , (EE) to enter the ×10 part: type 3.2 2nd , 8 to enter 3.2×10⁸. Do NOT type ×10^ separately. 3. To display answers in scientific notation: on TI-84 press MODE and choose SCI; on Casio set the display mode in SET UP.
1. Scientific notation means a × 10ⁿ, e.g. 3.2 × 10⁸ or 4.5 × 10⁻³. 2. Use the ×10ˣ key (EXP key) - type 3.2 then EXP then 8. Do NOT type ×10^ manually. 3. To display answers in scientific notation: on TI-84 press MODE and choose SCI; on Casio set the display mode in SET UP.
1. Scientific notation means a × 10ⁿ, e.g. 3.2 × 10⁸ or 4.5 × 10⁻³. 2. Use the EE key (or type ×10^ from the keyboard template) to enter scientific notation. Or just type 3.2×10^8 using the ^ key. 3. To display answers in scientific notation: on TI-84 press MODE and choose SCI; on Casio set the display mode in SET UP.
A common mistake is typing ×10^ instead of using the EE/EXP key - this gives ×10×... (multiplication, then a power) rather than proper scientific notation.
In the worked example on this page (2 marks, Paper 2), the marks are: M1: 3.2 × 10⁻⁵ × 4000; A1: 1.3 × 10⁻¹ kg.
Questions that need this technique link back to this guide. Try one in practice mode, or see every GDC guide.