Scientific Notation

Are you wondering why we are learning all these rules about products of powers and powers of products? Have you ever thought to yourself, "When will I ever use this in my life?" Well, when studying science, sometimes we use very large numbers (to refer to the distance to stars or planets) or very small numbers (to refer to the size of cells or their internal structures). Representing these numbers may include an awful lot of zeroes, so expressing them in scientific notation is useful. Since scientific notation involves using powers of 10, the product of powers and quotient of powers properties can be used.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 8.4, and then do 8.4 ( 16 - 51, FCO and 53 - 57, all )