Format
N × 10n where 1 ≤ N < 10
Multiply
(A × 10m)(B × 10n) = AB × 10(m+n)
Divide
(A × 10m) / (B × 10n) = (A/B) × 10(m−n)
Add/Subtract
Match exponents first, then add/subtract coefficients
Key Prefixes
nano = 10−9, micro = 10−6, milli = 10−3, kilo = 103, mega = 106
Converting
Move decimal until coefficient is 1–10; exponent = places moved (left = +, right = −)
Standardize
If coefficient isn’t 1–10, shift decimal and adjust exponent to compensate
Comparing
Larger exponent = larger number (when coefficients are similar)
Square Root Tip
Rewrite so the exponent is even, then √(A × 102k) = √A × 10k
