Scientific notation

Move the decimal point

×10ⁿ means multiply by a power of ten. A positive exponent moves the decimal right; a negative exponent moves it left. 2.5 × 10⁻³ is 0.0025. The same number may be written 2.5e−3.

Try it · 2.5 × 10⁻³

1. Start fresh

   Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.C→C

2. Number before the power of ten

   Press 2.5, then Second, then Enter power of ten.2.5→2nd→×10ⁿ

3. Make the exponent negative

   Press Second, then Change sign.2nd→±

4. Exponent size

   Press 3, then Equals.3→=

Also useful for

Material coefficients, small tolerances and values copied from equipment data sheets. Keep the source units with the number before using it in a formula.

Remember

×10ⁿ is for powers of ten, not a general xʸ key. ± changes the exponent sign while you are entering it. For large results, enable Scientific notation in Settings.

Start a new calculation

1. Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.C→C

Allow large numbers

Turn Scientific notation on in Settings to display large values.

Calculate

1. First number

   Press 1.78, then Second, then Enter power of ten.1.78→2nd→×10ⁿ

2. First exponent

   Press 10, then Add.10→+

3. Next number

   Press 3.9, then Second, then Enter power of ten.3.9→2nd→×10ⁿ

4. Next exponent

   Press 9, then Equals.9→=

Start a new calculation

1. Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.C→C

Calculate

1. Number

   Press 2, then Second, then Enter power of ten.2→2nd→×10ⁿ

2. Change the sign

   Press Second, then Change sign.2nd→±

3. Exponent magnitude

   Press 3, then Equals.3→=

Keep in mind

In this app, completing an exponent with no digits produces EXP Error. Use ⌫ while editing to remove a mistaken exponent marker, or C to replace the entry.

Remove the exponent marker

While the exponent has no digits, press ⌫. Then continue entering the number or finish the calculation.

1. Press Delete last digit.⌫