Page 2 - Computers and Technology for Mathematics

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Activity 1

Scientific Notation

Practice Activity

Technology Overview A database program is a useful tool in which to
store and organize large amounts of data.You can even perform calculations with the
data. In this activity, you will edit a database by adding information you locate on the
Internet. Then, you will convert the numeric data into scientific notation. Finally, you
will create a report of the information.
Content Overview Scientific notation is a method of representing a num-
ber as a decimal between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. It can make numbers
that are very long much easier to write and work with. In this activity, you will convert
the atomic masses of several elements from the periodic table into scientific notation.

TERMS

Database file The file that contains all objects of Field properties Characteristics of a field that
your database. determine how long an entry can be, how the entry
will be formatted, whether there should be a default
Datasheet A grid showing the data in a table, with
entry, and what can be entered (for example, num-
the field names as column headings and the
bers only or valid dates only).
records in rows beneath them.
Form A window showing the data in a table with one
Datasheet view The view of a table that shows
record’s fields appearing at a time in individually
you the data in each record. Like a spreadsheet, the
labeled boxes.
datasheet shows rows (records) and columns
(fields). Navigation mode A mode in which the entire field
entry is highlighted in a selected field.
Data type The type of data that a particular field is
designed to hold. Common types include Text, Navigation Pane The listing of all the objects in
Number, Date, and Memo. the database.
Field description An optional brief comment or Object A table, form, query, report, or other item
explanation of a field. The field description appears used to store and manage data in a database.
in the status bar at the bottom of the window when
Table A collection of database fields designed to be
its field is selected.
used together.
Field Edit mode A mode in which the insertion
Table Design view A view in which you can add,
point displays in a selected field.
edit, and delete fields from the table, change field
types and descriptions, set a primary key, and more.

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