Standard form
- Make a number between 1 and 10.
- Count decimal place moves.
- Use a power of 10.
Answer: 0.0032 = 3.2 × 10^-3
🔢 Number
Standard form
Learn standard form with a GCSE-style explanation, help guide, worked example, practice question and flashcards.
Global XP
Level 10 / 100 XP
1. Explanation
Key idea
- Standard form is part of advanced topics and appears often in KS3–GCSE maths.
- Standard form is a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10.
- Use the worked model, help guide, interactive question and flashcards to practise standard form until the steps feel automatic.
Real-life examples
- Shopping, sport, travel, science, design and everyday decisions all use this skill.
2. Visual
Standard form learning map
Understand the key idea → follow the help guide → practise a question → check your method → build speed with flashcards.
3. Help guide
How to tackle Standard form
- Learn the rule: Standard form is a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10.
- Worked model: Make a number between 1 and 10. Count decimal place moves. Use a power of 10.
- Try the interactive question without looking at the answer first.
- Use the flashcards to test the rule, the method and a common check.
4. Worked examples
Step-by-step working
5. Interactive questions
Try it yourself
Write 45000 in standard form.
6. Flashcards
Master quick recall
Flip each card, then choose whether you know it or need more practice.
0 mastered
FrontRule for Standard form
BackStandard form is a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10.
FrontExample answer: Write 45000 in standard form.
Back45000 = 4.5 × 10000 = 4.5 × 10^4.
FrontCommon check for Standard form
BackCheck units/notation, compare with an estimate, and make sure the answer matches the question.
7. Finish
Complete this topic
When you have read the examples, tried the question and reviewed flashcards, claim your topic completion XP.