What is the meaning of E in calculator notation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the notation used in calculators, specifically the meaning of "E" in expressions like "10E4.2". Participants are exploring the interpretation of this notation in the context of exponential calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify how to compute expressions involving "E", with some suggesting it represents "times 10 to the". Others are questioning the correct interpretation of the notation and whether it signifies multiplication or exponentiation.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the notation, with some participants offering insights into common misunderstandings. There is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation, but multiple perspectives are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention that notational questions can be confusing, especially for those who may not have been taught the notation explicitly. This highlights the potential for varying levels of familiarity with calculator notation among users.

cseet
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Hi, I'm sorry if this is a really dumb question...

how do you compute 10E4.2 on the calculator?

thanks in advance..
cseet
 
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10 x 10^4.2
 
thanks enigma... I know it's a "silly" question... but appreciate it! cseet
 
notational questions are never silly. Lots of people get completely lost - not because they don't understand - but simply because they have never been taught the notation (happened to me many a time).
 
Unfortunately, Enigma's answer seems to me to be wrong. The question was
to compute "10E4.2", i.e. "10 to the exponent 4.2" and should be 10^(4.2), NOT
"10*10^(4.2)".
 
Usually in exponent notation xEy = x * 10^y.
 
1e1 is 10.
2e2 is 200.
10e4.2 is 158489.319...

Halls, you're thinking of
10^4.2

not

10E4.2
 
Last edited:
yes on the calculators "E represents times 10 to the"
so 10E4.2
10 "time 10 to the" 4.2
just inser the phrase wherever e is
 

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