When a value is given in scientific notation, how can you tell if the number is very large or very small? Explain.

Sample Response The exponent indicates how large or small the number is. A positive exponent moves the decimal to the right, which creates a very large number. On the other hand, a negative exponent moves the decimal to the left, which creates a very small number.

If you have a small number in decimal form (smaller than 1, in absolute value), then the power is negative for the scientific notation; if it's a large number in decimal (bigger than 1, in absolute value), then the exponent is positive for the scientific notation.