In Exercises 15–30, write each number in scientific notation.638,000,000,000,000,000

Scientific notation is a way of expressing very large or very small numbers in a compact form. It is written as the product of a number between 1 and 10 and a power of ten. For example, the number 638,000,000,000,000,000 can be expressed as 6.38 x 10^17, where 6.38 is the coefficient and 17 is the exponent.

Exponent rules are mathematical guidelines that govern the operations involving powers of numbers. When converting to scientific notation, understanding how to manipulate exponents is crucial, especially when multiplying or dividing numbers in scientific form. For instance, when multiplying two numbers in scientific notation, you add their exponents.

Place value refers to the value of a digit based on its position within a number. In the context of scientific notation, recognizing the place value helps in determining the correct coefficient and exponent. For example, in the number 638,000,000,000,000,000, the digit '6' is in the 10^17 place, which is essential for accurate conversion to scientific notation.