Express 975,000 in scientific notation

9.75 x 10^5

A number in scientific notation has the form a x 10^b where

•a is the coefficient

•b is the exponent

Here are the steps to convert a number greater than 1 to scientific notation.

a) Find the coefficient

Put the decimal point after the first digit and drop the trailing zeroes

9.75 000

The coefficient is 9.75 .

b)Find the exponent

Count the number of digits after the first digit.

In 975 000 there are five digits after the 9. Therefore, the exponent is 5.

c)Write the number

We write 975 000 as 9.75 x 10^5.