E-Code

How to use scientific notation on a TI-89 Titanium

By E-Code · updated

Type the number, press EE and the power of ten: 6.02 EE 23 is 6.02E23. To show every decimal answer that way, press MODE, ▼ to Exponential Format, ▶ and 2 for SCIENTIFIC, then ENTER, so 12345.6 shows as 1.23456E4.

Step by step

  1. Type 6.02E23. 6 . 0 2 EE 2 3 Type 6.02, press EE, then 23. EE types E, which means times 10 to the power.
  2. Enter it. ENTER Press ENTER. Big and small numbers are shown this way anyway.
  3. Open MODE. MODE Press MODE.
  4. Go to Exponential Format. ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ Press ▼ four times to reach Exponential Format. It says NORMAL.
  5. Pick SCIENTIFIC. ▶ 2 Press ▶ to open the choices, then 2 for SCIENTIFIC.
  6. Save it. ENTER Press ENTER to save and close MODE.
  7. Try 12345.6. 1 2 3 4 5 . 6 ENTER Type 12345.6 and press ENTER.
  8. Read the answer. 1.23456E4 means 1.23456 × 10⁴. Every decimal answer now comes out this way; ENGINEERING keeps the power a multiple of 3.

What the screen shows

1.23456E4 means 1.23456 × 10⁴. Every decimal answer now comes out this way; ENGINEERING keeps the power a multiple of 3.

Look for 1.23456E4 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-89 calculator and each key lights up in turn as you press it.

Try “Use scientific notation” on the TI-89 calculator

Related

Physics programs for the TI-89 Titanium:

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