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Format of the first part of scientific notation

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 19 of 25 on Mathematics. ACS element AM.I.H.K8 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn a number written in scientific notation, the first part (the number that multiplies the power of 10) must be

  1. Agreater than 0 but less than 1
  2. B1 or greater but less than 10
  3. Cany whole number between 1 and 100
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 1 or greater but less than 10

  • A — incorrect A first part less than 1 is not scientific notation; the decimal point is placed to the right of the first digit.
  • B — correct The first part is a number greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10, such as 2.35 in 2.35 × 10⁶.
  • C — incorrect The first part may contain decimals and must be less than 10; 23.5 × 10⁵ is not proper scientific notation.

BACKGROUND

Scientific notation is a shorthand for writing very large or very small numbers so they take less space. A number in scientific notation has two parts: a number greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10 (for example, 2.35), and a power of 10 (for example, 10⁶). Thus 2,350,000 is written 2.35 × 10⁶. The decimal point is always placed to the right of the first digit. Very large numbers have a positive power of 10, and very small numbers have a negative power of 10.

STUDY TIP

Check any scientific-notation answer by confirming the decimal point sits right after the first digit.

KEY POINTS

  • Two parts: a number from 1 up to (but not including) 10, times a power of 10.
  • Decimal point goes to the right of the first digit.
  • Large numbers: positive exponent; small numbers: negative exponent.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch03 "Scientific Notation"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.