What does scientific notation allow people to do?

Scientific notation is a mathematical expression that allows individuals to express very large or very small numbers in a more manageable form. By using scientific notation, a number is represented as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten. This format simplifies the writing and reading of numbers, especially in scientific contexts where precision is crucial.

For example, the number 3,000 can be expressed in scientific notation as 3.0 x 10^3. This method not only makes it easier to handle immense figures but also facilitates calculations involving multiplication and division of these numbers, as the exponents can be added or subtracted appropriately. The power of ten indicates the scale of the number, allowing for quick comparisons and conversions across various magnitudes.

This understanding of scientific notation is vital in fields like mathematics, physics, and engineering, where dealing with extreme values such as the speed of light or the size of atoms is commonplace. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of what scientific notation allows individuals to do.