Standard form: GCSE Maths revision
Standard form writes large or small numbers as a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an integer.
Writing and calculating
45 000 in standard form
0.0032
To multiply, multiply the a values and add the indices. Then tidy so a is back between 1 and 10.
Try these questions
Cover the answers and have a go first. Worked solutions are underneath.
Write 6 700 000 in standard form
Write 0.00081 in standard form
Calculate (3 × 10⁴) × (2 × 10³)
Calculate (8 × 10⁶) ÷ (2 × 10²)
Write 12 × 10⁵ in standard form
Common mistakes
- Leaving a ≥ 10, e.g. 12 × 10⁵ instead of 1.2 × 10⁶.
- Adding indices when dividing.
Answers and working
Frequently asked questions
Why not just write the ordinary number?
Astronomy, science and calculator displays use standard form. GCSE tests that you can convert and calculate with it.
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