Chapter

Working with Numbers

From Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources by Peter Moore

Concepts

1. Scientific Notation

   "Scientific notation represents very large or very small quantities using a mantissa multiplied by a power of ten. It reduces the difficulty of writing and comparing long numbers and makes the number

2. Normalized Quantities

   "A normalized quantity is formed by dividing a quantity by a standard, total, or reference value of the same kind. Percentages, proportions, concentrations, frequencies, and probabilities are examples

3. Dimensional Analysis

   "Dimensional analysis checks whether an equation is dimensionally homogeneous, meaning that both sides have the same dimensions. Multiplication, division, and powers combine dimensions, while addition

4. Scientific Notation

   "Scientific notation allows the mantissas and powers of ten in a calculation to be handled separately. In the forest-fire example, parcel area, timber volume, and timber price can be expressed as powe