Scientific Notation

[Katie Frei 1L]

Does anyone know if we have to put our final answers after solving problems in scientific notation?

[Swetha Ampabathina1I]

I don't think it is necessary for all problems. I think you only have to do scientific notation in order to round your answer to the proper amount of sig figs to meet the requirements for sig figs for certain problems. Also, if its a really large number then you might have to do scientific notation, unless otherwise stated.

[sarahtang4B]

somebody else asked this today in my discussion, the TA said you usually put something into scientific notation if the number is 10^-2 or smaller, and make sure you put the correct significant figures!

[Esther Lee 4H]

I'm pretty sure it's okay to do it when the number is quite large too. so if the answer is 18,000,000 you can always put that as 1.80x10^7 it doesn't have to be only when the number is really small but someone please correct me if im wrong

[Searra Harding 4I]

If your number is very large or very small then it is safe to state it in scientific notation. Keep in mind your sig figs when answering.

[Raphael_SanAndres3C]

I believe that scientific notation is usually used if it is smaller the quantity uses 10^-2 or smaller or 10^2 or bigger.

[Jocelyne Milke 1G]

somebody else asked this today in my discussion, the TA said you usually put something into scientific notation if the number is 10^-2 or smaller, and make sure you put the correct significant figures!

The number of sig figs used in the final answer is determined by the smallest number of sig figs correct? For example, if you had 3 sig figs and 4 sig figs, then your final answer would have 3 sig figs?

[emily gao 1C]

Yes use whatever sig figs is the least accurate in the given: aka if you have 3, 4, 5 sig figs given to you in the question: respond with 3 sig figs.

[Mukil_Pari_2I]

Use scientific notation when dealing with very big numbers. Otherwise, it will be a lot more difficult to do multiplication and division without it. In addition, always round the number to the least amount of sig figs in the problem. This youtube vid on scientific notation really help me understand it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dme-G4rc6NI

[Daniela Alvarado 3B]

Most of the final answers I’ve seen are in scientific notation so I was thinking we actually might have to

[Lynsea_Southwick_2K]

And remember to use the least amount of sig figs from the given info.

[Chem_Mod]

You do not need to put all answers in scientific notation.