Enter a decimal number. For example, you could enter 5476.3.
Enter a power of ten. For example enter 3 for the `3^(rd)` power of 10 : `10^3`
vCalc will divide 5476.3 by `10^3` and display the result.
5476.3 `divide` `10^3` = 5.4763
[Math | K-12 | Exponentials]
Dividing by a power of ten moves the decimal place of the answer to the left the same number of places as the exponent of ten.
Dividing by `10^4` moves the decimal place 4 places to the left. It's just that simple.
In other words:
IF you divide by ten, which is `10^1`,
THEN you move the decimal place one place to the left.
IF you divide by 100, which is `10^2`,
THEN you move the decimal place two places to the left.
MORE EXAMPLES
Imagine a decimal real number that you will divide by powers of ten. Let's pick the number 5,222,333.44 for an example. It's just a made-up number. After you understand these examples, try the same with your own made-up number.
Divide 5,222,333.44 by `10^1`. Ten to the power of one is 10.
5,222,333.44 `divide` 10 = 522,233.344
Divide 5,222,333.44 by `10^2`. Ten to the power of two is 100.
5,222,333.44 `divide` 100 = 52,223.3344
Divide 5,222,333.44 by `10^3`. Ten to the power of three is 1000.
5,222,333.44 `divide` 1000 = 5,222.33344
Divide 5,222,333.44 by `10^4`. Ten to the power of four is 10,000.
5,222,333.44 `divide` 10,000 = 522.233344
Divide 5,222,333.44 by `10^4`. Ten to the power of five is 100,000.
5,222,333.44 `divide` 100,000 = 52.2233344