ACT Math : How to use scientific notation
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Example Question #5 : Other Exponents
What is the result when 
First, when we round to the nearest thousand we get 5, 679, 000 since we round up when the next digit is greater than 5.
Then, to put it in scientific notation, we arrange the digits so that a decimal point creates a number between 1 and 10. We get 5.679.
Then, we want the exponent of the 10 to be the number of times the decimal needs to move to the right. This is 6 times.
Thus, we get our answer. 
Example Question #6 : Other Exponents
What is 
In order to write a number in scientific notation, you must shift the number of decimal places to get a number in the ones place.
Since the original number is a decimal, the exponent will need to be negative. This eliminates three answer choices.
In order to get 
Therefore, the final answer in scientific notation is 
Example Question #11 : Other Exponents
Which of the following is equal to 
For this, you can handle the 
Now, handle the coefficients like they are a separate fraction:
Notice, though, that 
Now, you need to get this into scientific notation for your answer. It is easiest ot think of it like this:
Example Question #12 : Other Exponents
Simplify 
The easiest way to work with a large number like this is to combine the 
Combine the powers of 
Next, combine the other coefficients:
Now, rewrite the leading number like this:
Thus, you get:
Example Question #183 : Exponents
The easiest way to solve a question like this is to convert the answers all into easily comparable numbers. Remember that you move the decimal place to the left for negative powers of 
Notice that the negative power has no influence on the sign of the number. This allows you to eliminate the negative options. The correct answer is:
When you move the decimal 
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