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Year 9 - Maths

Ordering numbers in standard form

Standard form

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils learn to recognise, interpret and write in standard form. Pupils then extend this knowledge so that they can order numbers written in standard form.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to compare and order numbers written in a mixture of standard, non-standard and not quite standard form.

Key Notes

  • It can be easier to compare numbers if they are all in standard form.
  • If all numbers are in standard form, you can compare the powers of 10
  • When powers of 10 are the same, you can compare the digits of what remains.

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).

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils can incorrectly write a number in standard form or use a number in incorrect standard form whereby the number A does not satisfy 1 ≤ A < 10 or pupils use division of positive powers of 10.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

It can be easier to compare numbers if they are all in standard form. If all numbers are in standard form, you can compare the powers of 10.

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: Pupils can incorrectly write a number in standard form or use a number in incorrect standard form whereby the number A does not satisfy 1 ≤ A < 10 or pupils use division of positive powers of 10. Correction: Standard form represents a multiplicative relationship, so there should always be a multiplication. Embedding the understanding that negative exponents refer to 1/10^n is important. Using the place value chart with fractional and exponent form helps.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 Maths guide library.