Standard Form

• Standard Form is a way of writing very large or very small numbers. These are typically numbers that are not easily handled in calculations due to their size.

• Standard Form is written as: a × 10^b, where 1 ≤ a < 10 and b is an integer.

• In the formula a × 10^b, ‘a’ is called the mantissa and ‘b’ is called the exponent or power.

• To convert a number into Standard Form, identify where the decimal would go for a number between 1 and 10 (this is ‘a’), then count how many places, and in which direction, you’ve moved the decimal. This becomes the exponent ‘b’.

• For very small numbers (those less than 1), the exponent or power ‘b’ in Standard Form will be negative.

• To convert from Standard Form back to a regular number, move the decimal point to the right for positive powers and to the left for negative powers.

• In calculations, you can treat the parts of a Standard Form number separately. Multiply or divide the ‘a’ values, and add or subtract the ‘b’ values.

• When using a calculator to operate on numbers in Standard Form, ensure you are using the ‘EXP’ or ‘EE’ button correctly. This will prevent errors in calculations.

• Accuracy is important in Standard Form calculations. Always check to make sure the final answer is in correct Standard Form and rounded if necessary.

• Standard Form is often used in scientific, financial, and mathematical contexts where the numbers being used are either extremely large or extremely small.