20 trillion in scientific notation is 2 × 1013.
To convert 20 trillion into scientific notation, you express it as a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten. Since one trillion equals 1012, 20 trillion is 20 × 1012, which simplifies to 2 × 1013.
Conversion Tool
Result in scientific:
Conversion Formula
To convert trillion to scientific notation, multiply the number by 1012. Because 1 trillion is 1,000,000,000,000, or 1012, any value in trillion is that value times 1012.
For example, 20 trillion = 20 × 1012.
Then, convert 20 to a number between 1 and 10 by moving the decimal point one place left: 20 becomes 2.0, which means the exponent increases by 1 to compensate. So, 20 × 1012 = 2 × 1013.
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 trillion:
- Start with 5 × 1012.
- 5 is already between 1 and 10, so no need to change.
- Result: 5 × 1012.
- Convert 35 trillion:
- 35 × 1012.
- Move decimal one place left: 3.5 × 1013.
- Final scientific notation: 3.5 × 1013.
- Convert 0.8 trillion:
- 0.8 × 1012.
- 0.8 is less than 1, so move decimal right one place to 8.0, reducing exponent by 1.
- Result: 8 × 1011.
- Convert 120 trillion:
- 120 × 1012.
- Move decimal two places left: 1.2 × 1014.
- Scientific notation: 1.2 × 1014.
Conversion Chart
| Trillion | Scientific Notation |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -5 × 1012 |
| -2.5 | -2.5 × 1012 |
| 0.0 | 0 × 1012 |
| 2.0 | 2 × 1012 |
| 5.5 | 5.5 × 1012 |
| 10.0 | 1 × 1013 |
| 15.0 | 1.5 × 1013 |
| 20.0 | 2 × 1013 |
| 25.0 | 2.5 × 1013 |
| 30.0 | 3 × 1013 |
| 35.0 | 3.5 × 1013 |
| 40.0 | 4 × 1013 |
| 45.0 | 4.5 × 1013 |
This chart shows how values in trillion convert to scientific notation. To find a value, locate the trillion number on the left, then read the equivalent scientific notation on the right. Negative and zero values are included for reference.
Related Conversion Questions
- How do I write 20 trillion in scientific notation?
- What is the scientific form of 20 trillion exactly?
- Can 20 trillion be expressed as 2 × 10 to the 13th power?
- Why is 20 trillion written as 2 × 1013 in science?
- How convert twenty trillion to scientific notation step-by-step?
- Is 20 trillion equal to 2e13 in scientific terms?
- What power of ten equals 20 trillion in scientific notation?
Conversion Definitions
Trillion: A trillion is a numerical value equal to one followed by twelve zeros (1,000,000,000,000). It represents a thousand billion or 1012, and used in measuring very large quantities in economics, astronomy, and other fields.
Scientific: Scientific notation is a way of expressing numbers as a product of a decimal number between 1 and 10 and a power of ten. This format simplifies working with extremely large or small values by using exponents.
Conversion FAQs
Can scientific notation handle negative trillion values?
Yes, scientific notation can represent negative trillion values by including the minus sign before the number. For example, -20 trillion becomes -2 × 1013, allowing easy manipulation of negative large numbers.
Why does the exponent increase when converting 20 trillion?
When converting 20 trillion, moving the decimal point to get a number between 1 and 10 reduces the base number but increases the exponent to balance the value. Since 20 becomes 2.0, the exponent increases from 12 to 13.
Is there a difference between scientific notation and exponential notation?
While they are often used interchangeably, scientific notation specifically requires the number to be between 1 and 10 multiplied by 10 to an exponent. Exponential notation might not restrict the base number, but both express numbers with powers of ten.
How precise is converting trillion to scientific notation?
The precision depends on how many decimal places you keep. Converting trillion to scientific notation keeps the value exact, but rounding for display purposes can slightly reduce precision.
Can this conversion method be used for smaller units like millions?
Yes, but the exponent changes accordingly. For millions, multiply by 106; for billions, 109. The same principles apply, just using different powers of ten depending on the unit.