Seeing numbers like 7.984E-5 BTC what does this mean for the math challenged?

[skottiejay]

Just a simple question really, I don't understand it. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with decimal points? What does it all mean?!?!

[iBug]

You're right, the E-5 moves the decimal point.
7.984E-5 = 7.984 * 10^(-5)

The negative sign before the exponent makes the decimal point move 5 places to the left, so in fact that number represents a rather small BTC amount.

negative exponent -> smaller number
positive exponent -> bigger number

0.00007984 BTC

[dan_a]

When it says "E-5" it means that the decimal is moved back 5 places
So 7.984E-5
= 0.7984E-4
= 0.07984E-3
= 0.00007984 BTC

[skottiejay]

Thanks guys, I had sneaking suspicious but wasn't sure about it