Many values used in chemistry are either very large or very small. To deal with this, we use scientific notation. This camp reviews the calculations you'll need — and the calculator skills to go with them.

The Rules

• 1
  Converting decimals to scientific notation. Your calculator can switch between floating point and scientific notation, but you can also do many by eye. Count how many spaces you need to move the decimal point to get a number with a single digit to the left of the decimal.

  1354 = 1.354 × 10³  (moved 3 places left)

  13547 = 1.3547 × 10⁴  (moved 4 places left)

  0.01300 = 1.3 × 10^-2  (moved 2 places right)

  0.0001300 = 1.3 × 10^-4  (moved 4 places right)
• 2
  Multiplying and dividing powers of ten. When multiplying, add the exponents. When dividing, subtract the exponents.

  10⁴ × 10³ = 10⁷

  10⁸ ÷ 10³ = 10⁵
• 3
  Adding and subtracting. When the numbers share the same power of ten, add or subtract the numbers in front and keep the exponent the same.

  3 × 10⁴ + 2 × 10⁴ = 5 × 10⁴

  6 × 10^-7 − 2 × 10^-7 = 4 × 10^-7
• 4
  Your calculator's scientific notation key. Calculators handle this differently — you'll need to explore yours. Look for an EE or EXP key, or a "×10^x" key, that lets you enter the power of ten directly.

  1.23 EE5  means  1.23 × 10⁵

  3.64 EE-5  means  3.64 × 10^-5
• 5
  Special rule for dividing. Make sure the power of ten in the denominator is treated as you intend. Entering 6×10⁴ ÷ 2×10⁴ should give 3 — if you get 3×10⁸, your calculator divided by "2" and then multiplied by 10⁴. Avoid this by using the EE/EXP key, or by putting the denominator in parentheses.

  8 × 10⁷ ÷ 4 × 10⁷ = 2

  1.4 × 10⁷ ÷ 2 × 10⁵ = 70

This Camp

A timer will track your time. It pauses between levels but keeps your total — so take your time to actually learn, not just finish fast.