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GCSE Maths: Standard Form

Master GCSE Maths standard form (scientific notation) with practice questions on converting, multiplying and dividing. AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.

NumberFoundation & HigherAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas

What you need to know

The concepts examiners test on standard form, and what each one is really asking.

Writing numbers in standard form
Converting from standard form
Multiplying in standard form
Dividing in standard form
Adding and subtracting in standard form

Where marks get lost

The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.

  • Standard form: a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10
  • When multiplying, multiply the coefficients and add the powers
  • Check your calculator is in standard form mode for large number questions

Standard Form questions students ask

What is standard form?

Standard form (scientific notation) writes numbers as a × 10ⁿ where a is between 1 and 10. E.g. 3,400,000 = 3.4 × 10⁶.

How do I multiply numbers in standard form?

Multiply the coefficients together and add the powers of 10. E.g. (2 × 10³) × (4 × 10²) = 8 × 10⁵.