Final answer:
Scientific notation simplifies the expression of very large or very small numbers by making them more readable and easier to calculate, which is particularly useful in scientific contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of scientific notation to express very large and very small numbers has two primary advantages:
- Convenience: Writing numbers such as 1,230,000,000 as 1.23 x 109 or 0.00000000036 as 3.6 x 10-10 simplifies the representation of extremely large or small quantities, making them easier to read and work with.
- Simplified Calculations: Scientific notation facilitates the multiplication and division of large and small numbers, as it reduces the complexity of handling many zeroes, leading to fewer errors and more manageable calculations.
In fields like astronomy and chemistry, where one often deals with exponential numbers and powers of ten, adopting this approach is not only more compact and readable but also essential for efficient computation and communication of scientific data.