Standard form, or standard index form, is a system of writing numbers which can be particularly useful for working with very large or very small numbers. It is based on using powerA number that is multiplied by itself one or more times is raised to a power. of 10 to express how big or small a number is.
Scientists use standard form when working with the speed of light and distances between galaxies, which can be enormous. The size of bacteria or atoms may also be referred to in standard form as they are so tiny. Standard form is also sometimes referred to as scientific notation.