The system of scientific notation was invented to express very large or very small numbers in a very compact and easy-to-calculate way. It is also sometimes referred to as "powers of ten" notation, because it takes advantage of the decimal nature of our number system.
The sections of this tutorial are listed below. We suggest that you start with Section 1 (Basics) and work your way through.
Questions? Ask the designer, Jim Heath
Copyright 2000 Austin Community College