Question

The diameter of Saturn at its equator is approximately 121,000. Write this number scientific notation.

Answer 1

121, 000

Let 121,000 = 1.21 by moving the decimal point 5 units to the left.

Moving to the left creates a positive power.

Multiply by 10.

1.21 x 10^5

Answer 2

1.21 * 10^5

Explanation:

Move the decimal so there is one non-zero digit to the left of the decimal point. The number of decimal places you move will be the exponent on the 10.

If the decimal is being moved to the right, the exponent will be negative. If the decimal is being moved to the left, the exponent will be positive.