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Year 10 - Maths

Checking and securing understanding of writing small numbers in standard form

Standard form calculations

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers written in standard form.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write very small numbers in the form A × 10^(−n), (where 1 ≤ A < 10) and appreciate the real-life contexts where this format is usefully used.

Key Notes

  • It is difficult to read very small numbers, due to the number of digits involved.
  • It can be more efficient to write these very small numbers in standard form.
  • There is a convention for standard form.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Standard form: Standard form is when a number is written in the form A × 10^n, (where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer).
  • Associative law: The associative law states that a repeated application of the operation produces the same result regardless of how pairs of values are grouped. We can group using brackets.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • When a number is not quite written in standard form, pupils can incorrectly convert the number.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

It is difficult to read very small numbers, due to the number of digits involved. It can be more efficient to write these very small numbers in standard form.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Standard form'

Standard form is when a number is written in the form A × 10^n, (where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer). Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: When a number is not quite written in standard form, pupils can incorrectly convert the number. Correction: When the A number is greater than 10, add the necessary multiplications of 10 to the index of 10. When the A number is less than 10, subtract the necessary multiplications of 10 from the index of 10.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Maths guide library.