powers of 10 in answers

[Kimberly Koo 2I]

Hi, on tests will we lose points in our answer if we don't use the "multiple powers of 10" in our calculations and answers? (like how an answer could be written as 0.002 or 2 x 10^-3). Thank you!

[Cooper Baddley 1F]

I wouldn't think you would lose points if you don't go out of your way to use scientific notation, but if there are some problems that ask for the answer in grams but your answer came out in kilograms it would make sense to use scientific notion to switch the units over in the clearest way. If anything scientific notion should make the math easier for you not harder if it does you should be able to just avoid it.

[Jasmine Kim 1L]

Scientific notation usually just helps shorten answers that are really long, like 10^9 or 10^-9, especially when you need to use a specific measurement, like grams instead of kilograms. Also, if the answer is something like 5,000 g and you need 2 sig figs for the answer, you would use scientific notation to get the right amount of sig figs (5.0 x 10^3 g).