Convert Scientific Notation Game
To convert standard to scientific notation, move the decimal point to form a number between 1 and 10, then count the places moved; a leftward move results in a positive exponent, and a rightward move results in a negative exponent. To convert scientific to standard notation, move the decimal point the number of places indicated by the exponent: right for a positive exponent, and left for a negative exponent. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 
This game will challenge you to go both ways: converting from scientific notation to standard notation and vice-versa. The game will randomly generate problems from both categories, and you’ll need to provide the correct answer to score a point. This will help you master the relationship between the coefficient, the exponent, and the decimal point’s movement.
 

Scientific Notation Converter

Practice your conversion skills.

Conversion Type: Standard to Scientific Scientific to Standard Random Mix

Enable 60-Second Timer

Start Game

Score: 0 / 0

Time: 60

× 10

Check Next

Back to Menu

 

How to Play the Convert Scientific Notation Game
The game will challenge you to convert between standard notation and scientific notation numbers.
Here’s how to play:

1. Conversion Type: Select Standard to Scientific, Scientific to Standard, or Random Mix.
   
2. Timed Option: Check the timer if you want to enable the 60 second timer. Click “Start Game”.
   
3. Look at the Problem: You’ll be given two scientific notation numbers. Convert them.
   
4. Enter Your Answer: If “Convert to Scientific Notation” .
   
5. Check Your Work: Click the Check button (or press the Enter key). The game will tell you if you’re correct. If you are wrong, you will be shown the correct answer.
   
6. Get a New Problem: Click the Next button for a new problem.
   Your score is tracked at the top, showing how many you’ve gotten right out of the total you’ve tried.
   
7. Back to Menu Click “Back to Menu” to restart the game.
    
   

How to convert scientific notation numbers
Converting between standard notation (like 1,200) and scientific notation (like 1.2×10³) is a key skill in math and science. It’s essentially about moving the decimal point and keeping track of how many places you move it.

 
Part 1: Standard to Scientific Notation
Convert to Scientific Notation
The goal here is to rewrite a number so it’s a value between 1 and 10, multiplied by a power of 10.
Steps:

1. Find the decimal point. If the number is an integer, the decimal point is at the end. For example, 5,000 is 5,000.
   
2. Move the decimal point to the left until the number is between 1 and 10.
   
3. Count the number of places you moved the decimal. This number becomes your exponent for the power of 10.
   
4. Make the exponent positive if you moved the decimal to the left (for large numbers).
   
5. Make the exponent negative if you moved the decimal to the right (for small numbers).
    
   Example 1 (Large Number): Convert 5,280 to scientific notation.
   The number is 5,280.
   Move the decimal point to the left so it’s after the 5: 5.280.
   You moved the decimal 3 places.
   Since you moved it to the left, the exponent is positive.
   The scientific notation is 5.28×10³.
    
   Example 2 (Small Number): Convert 0.00047 to scientific notation.
   The number is 0.00047.
   Move the decimal point to the right so it’s after the 4: 4.7.
   You moved the decimal 4 places.
   Since you moved it to the right, the exponent is negative.
   The scientific notation is 4.7×10⁻⁴.
    
   

Part 2: Scientific to Standard Notation
Convert to Standard Notation
This is the reverse process. You’ll use the exponent to figure out how many places and in which direction to move the decimal.
Steps:

1. Look at the exponent on the power of 10.
   
2. Move the decimal point to the right if the exponent is positive. Add zeros as placeholders if needed.
   
3. Move the decimal point to the left if the exponent is negative. Add zeros as placeholders if needed.
    
   Example 1 (Positive Exponent): Convert 3.4×10⁵ to standard notation.
   The exponent is 5, which is positive.
   Move the decimal point 5 places to the right.
   Starting with 3.4, you move the decimal and add zeros: 340,000.
   The standard notation is 340,000.
    
   Example 2 (Negative Exponent): Convert 9.1×10⁻² to standard notation.
   The exponent is -2, which is negative.
   Move the decimal point 2 places to the left.
   Starting with 9.1, you move the decimal and add a zero: 0.091.
   The standard notation is 0.091.
    
   

The main thing to remember is that large numbers have a positive exponent, and small numbers (less than 1) have a negative exponent.
 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to convert between standard and scientific notation numbers.

• Show Video

 

Scientific Notation Games
Scientific Notation Converter	Add/Subtract Scientific Notation	Scientific Notation Multiplication
Scientific Notation Division

 

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