Scientific Notation

Notes

Scientific Notation

Rules for Multiplication:

2.0 X 10⁵ * 3.5 X 10^-6

Answer 7.0 X 10^-1

Rules for Division

6.2 X 10⁸

3.1 X 10^-2

Divide the first factor in the numerator by the first factor in the denominator. 6.2 / 3.1 = 2.0

Subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator. 8 – (-2) = 10

Answer: 2.0 X 10¹⁰

Rule for addition and subtraction:

In order to add or subtract the exponents of 10 must be to the same power.

Example:

3.4 X 10²+ 2.3 X 10^{5 =}

.0034 X 10⁵+ 2.3 X 10⁵= 2.3034 X 10⁵

66.3 X 10² – 2.1 X 10³=

6.63 X 10³ – 2.1 X 10³= 4.53 X 10³

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