document.write( "Question 1024972: I was using an online calculator to figure kinetic energy. Knowns are mass and velocity (mass = 395,000 lbs and velocity is 500 mph.) The answer given is 3.3011e+9 ft. lbs., but I don't know what this means. Can someone decipher this, please? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #640310 by josmiceli(19441) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is called scientific notation.
\n" ); document.write( "It looks like:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"+5.287931%2A10%5E11+\"$
\n" ); document.write( "-------------------
\n" ); document.write( "The $\"+5+\"$ is always a units digit. You would
\n" ); document.write( "NOT have:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"+52.87931%2A10%5E10+\"$
\n" ); document.write( "even though it is the same value
\n" ); document.write( "So you have a units digit followed by
\n" ); document.write( "as many other significant digits that you need
\n" ); document.write( "-------------------
\n" ); document.write( "Then there is a multiplier which is 10 raised to
\n" ); document.write( "a power which can be any number, positive
\n" ); document.write( "or negative, for example:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"+5.287931%2A10%5E%28-11%29+\"$
\n" ); document.write( "This is the reciprocal of my example.
\n" ); document.write( "-------------------
\n" ); document.write( "The way you presented it:
\n" ); document.write( "3.3011e+9 is just another way of saying:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"+3.3011%2A10%5E9+\"$ , and if you expand it:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"+330110000+\"$
\n" ); document.write( "( 9 places after decimal point ) \n" ); document.write( "

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