E-Code

How to show answers in scientific notation on a TI-84 Plus CE, TI-84 Plus or TI-83 Plus

By E-Code · updated

Press MODE (the cursor starts on NORMAL), ▶ once onto SCI and ENTER, then 2nd QUIT. Every answer then shows as a number times a power of ten: 12345 gives 1.2345E4.

Step by step

  1. Open MODE. MODE Press MODE. The cursor starts on NORMAL, in the NORMAL SCI ENG row.
  2. Move to SCI. ▶ Press ▶ once to move onto SCI.
  3. Turn on SCI. ENTER Press ENTER. SCI is now highlighted.
  4. Go back home. 2nd MODE Press 2nd, then MODE (QUIT).
  5. Type a number. 1 2 3 4 5 Type 1 2 3 4 5.
  6. See it in Sci. ENTER Press ENTER.
  7. Read it. 1.2345E4 means 1.2345 × 10⁴. SCI always puts one digit before the point, so big and tiny lab values are easy to compare. MODE NORMAL switches back.

What the screen shows

1.2345E4 means 1.2345 × 10⁴. SCI always puts one digit before the point, so big and tiny lab values are easy to compare. MODE NORMAL switches back.

Look for 1.2345ᴇ4 on the screen.

Try it with the keys lit up

This guide is one of E-Code's Learn lessons. Open it on E-Code's TI-84 calculator and each key lights up in turn as you press it.

Try “Show answers in scientific notation” on the TI-84 calculator

Related

Physics programs for the TI-84 Plus CE:

All TI-84 science guides · All TI-84 guides · All calculator guides