why do we use scientific notation

We use scientific notation because it allows us to express very large or very small numbers in a more manageable, compact, and easier-to-read form. This notation simplifies arithmetic operations and helps maintain accuracy when dealing with extreme values that would otherwise be cumbersome to write out fully in decimal form. It makes calculations, comparisons, and interpretations of such numbers much more efficient and less prone to error, especially in scientific, engineering, and mathematical contexts.