How is scientific notation defined?

Scientific notation is defined as a way to express numbers in a concise format, specifically as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten. This representation allows for both very large and very small numbers to be written in a manageable way. For example, the number 3000 can be represented as 3.0 x 10^3 in scientific notation. This format simplifies arithmetic operations and provides a clear way to compare magnitudes without having to handle numerous zeros.

The other options do not accurately describe scientific notation. For instance, stating that scientific notation is a format only for large numbers does not reflect its capability to represent small numbers like 0.00045 (which would be written as 4.5 x 10^-4). Additionally, using it to quantify electrical resistance or convey audio signals does not align with the fundamental purpose of scientific notation, which is solely a mathematical expression technique.