i cant use my calculator to work out minus powers. everytime i type the sum in it gives me the same sum as the answer, when i want a number. for example i am trying to work out 36.9*10 to the power of -6. when i type that in my calculator using the (-) button to make the power minus my sum just comes up as the answer. its a casio scientific calculator. help anyone? do i need to change the mode or something?
2007-12-21 04:37:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
36.9 x 10^(-6) = 3.69 x 10^(-5)
If you wish, this may be written as 0.0000369
2007-12-21 06:43:41 · answer #1 · answered by Como 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First off, this isnt a "sum". This is a "product".
Anyway, try using the "E" button - which is the same thing as *10^...
So type: 36.9, E, - ,6, =... (may have to switch the - sign and the 6 on some calculators)...
Also keep in mind that 10^-6 means you move the decimal to the LEFT 6 spots from where it is... Doing so will give you:
.0000369 --- dont really need a calculator for that!
2007-12-21 12:45:46 · answer #2 · answered by miggitymaggz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A differenr approach which I don't see mentioned yet is to remember that n^(-6), say, is the same as 1 / n^6. So work out the calculation using the positive exponent (i.e. find n^6 in the example above) and then use the reciprocal button to give you 1 / n^6. If you have a compound expression which contains both positive and negative exponents, it is probably best to handle the negative exponent first using this method, and use the memory to hold the result whilst you work out the positive exponents, then combine the two as a final step.
2007-12-21 13:51:27 · answer #3 · answered by ignoramus 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Calculators usually have a change sign button that looks like +/-. Try hitting 10, then hit that button.
Hope it helps.
2007-12-21 12:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by Bill C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My be your calculator is a little stupid in understanding negative power of numbers. instead of multiplying with 10 in power -6, you can divide with 10 in power 6.
Hope your calculator will understand.
2007-12-21 17:41:15 · answer #5 · answered by anordtug 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try using a natural display calculator. its a lot easier.if you've got one then its the x button with the shaded square next to it.
2007-12-21 13:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are supposed to use the 'EXP'(or 'EE') button on your calculator.
(DON'T USE *10 IN THE CALCULATOR)
E.G.
2.67 EXP 15
= 2.67 to the power of 15
=2670000000000000
or
2.56 EXP -5
=2.56 to the power of -5
=0.0000256
2007-12-21 12:57:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no need.
2007-12-21 12:46:45 · answer #8 · answered by Kenneth Koh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋