Question

1. identify how many significant figures each number below has. then write each number in scientific notation.

number significant figures scientific notation
308,000,000
0.0004
0.02003
123.456

Explanation:

Step1: Determine significant figures for 308,000,000

Non - zero digits and zeros between non - zero digits are significant. So it has 3 significant figures.

Step2: Write 308,000,000 in scientific notation

Move the decimal point 8 places to the left, getting $3.08\times10^{8}$.

Step3: Determine significant figures for 0.0004

Leading zeros are not significant, so it has 1 significant figure.

Step4: Write 0.0004 in scientific notation

Move the decimal point 4 places to the right, getting $4\times10^{- 4}$.

Step5: Determine significant figures for 0.02003

Leading zeros are not significant, but zeros between non - zero digits are significant. So it has 4 significant figures.

Step6: Write 0.02003 in scientific notation

Move the decimal point 2 places to the right, getting $2.003\times10^{-2}$.

Step7: Determine significant figures for 123.456

All digits are significant, so it has 6 significant figures.

Step8: Write 123.456 in scientific notation

Move the decimal point 2 places to the left, getting $1.23456\times10^{2}$.

Answer:

Number	Significant Figures	Scientific Notation
0.0004	1	$4\times10^{-4}$
0.02003	4	$2.003\times10^{-2}$
123.456	6	$1.23456\times10^{2}$