Compare Numbers in Standard and Ordinary Form

Using standard form is incredibly useful when we need to use either very large or very small numbers.

 

Areas we may use standard form include physics, biology and chemistry. From measuring the distance between planets to the mass of atoms.

 

 

In this activity, we will use inequalities to compare numbers written in standard and ordinary form.

 

Example 

Complete the expression using <, > or = 

 

2.5 x 10² ? 260

 

With this type of question, it is best to convert one of the values into the same form as the other.

 

2.5 x 10² = 250

 

Now we can compare.

 

250 < 260

 

2.5 x 10² < 260

 

 

Example 2

 

Complete the expression using <, > or = 

 

1.9 x 10^-2 ? 0.19

 

With this type of question, it is best to convert one of the values into the same form as the other.

 

1.9 x 10^-2 = 0.019

 

Now we can compare.

 

0.019 < 0.19

 

1.9 x 10^-2 < 0.19

 

Feeling confident?

 

 

 

Let's try the activity!