Standard Form Flashcards

GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel) 1MA1

Standard form definition

A way of writing very large or very small numbers using powers of 10, in the form A × 10^n, where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer.

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Standard form definition

A way of writing very large or very small numbers using powers of 10, in the form A × 10^n, where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer.

Converting a large number to standard form

Move the decimal point to create a number between 1 and 10, then multiply by 10 raised to the number of places the decimal point was moved.

Converting a small number to standard form

Move the decimal point to create a number between 1 and 10, then multiply by 10 raised to the negative number of places the decimal point was moved.

Example: 4500 in standard form

4.5 × 10^3

Example: 0.0072 in standard form

7.2 × 10^-3

Multiplying numbers in standard form

Multiply the A values, then add the powers of 10. Simplify if necessary to keep A between 1 and 10.

Dividing numbers in standard form

Divide the A values, then subtract the powers of 10. Simplify if necessary to keep A between 1 and 10.

Adding or subtracting numbers in standard form

Ensure the powers of 10 are the same, then add or subtract the A values. Convert back to standard form if necessary.

Why use standard form?

It is useful for working with very large or very small numbers, such as in scientific calculations.

Key rule for A in standard form

The value of A must always be between 1 and 10 (1 ≤ A < 10).

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