The square root of 4 X 1010 is 2 X 105. Do you see a pattern?
Here is the process:
See if the exponent is an even number. If it is not, then adjust the number so that the exponent is divisible by two.
Take the square root of the coefficient. This will be the new coefficient.
Divide the exponent by two. This will be the new exponent.
Put the number in standard form.
Here are a couple of examples:
Square root (8 X 10-6) = Square root (8) X Square root (10-6)
Square root (8 X 10-6) = 2.83 X 10-3
Square root (3.6 X 109) = Square root (36 X 108)
Square root (3.6 X 109) = Square root (36) X Square root (108)
Square root (3.6 X 109) = 6 X 104
Practice by finding the square roots of these numbers:
9 X 10-8
8.1 X 1021
6.32 X 10-9
1.002 X 1013
Now check your answers and move on.
Questions? Ask the designer, Jim Heath
Copyright 2000 Austin Community College