Addition and Subtraction of numbers in scientific notation

• When adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation remember that the powers
of 10 must be the same
• If the powers of 10 are not the same, then rewrite one of the numbers so that both
numbers would have the same power of 10.
• The general format is:
(N x 10x) + (M x 10x) = (N + M) x 10x
Example
• (3.45 x 103) + (6.11 x 103)
• 3.45 + 6.11 = 9.56
• (3.45 x 103) + (6.11 x 103)=9.56 x 103
Example
Add (4.12 x 106) + (3.94 x 104)

Exercise 1

Add (4.12 x 106) + (3.94 x 104)

Solution
• Rewrite one of the numbers so that it has the same power of 10 as the other number
(4.12 x 106) + (3.94 x 104)
=(412 x 104) + (3.94 x 104)
=415.94 x 104
since 412 + 3.94 = 415.94
• Remark: If you had adjusted the exponents originally to the 6th power, you would end up
with the same result

Exercise 2
Subtract
(8.96 x 107) – (3.41 x 107)
(8.96 x 107) – (3.41 x 107)=5.55 x 107
Since 8.96 – 3.41 = 5.55

Exercise 3
Subtract

(4.23 x 103) – (9.56 x 102)

=(4.23 x 103) – (0.956 x 103)
=3.274 x 103
since
4.23 – 0.956 = 3.274
Remark : If you had adjusted the powers of 10 to the 2nd power, you would end up with the
same result.
Exercise 4
You are given that ( 3 × 10! ) × (5 × 10" ) = 𝑐 × 10# where 1 ≤ 𝑐 < 10and k ∈ Z.
A) Find the value of 𝑐.
B) Find an expression for d in terms of a and b.

Multiplication of numbers expressed in scientific notation

• Step 1 : Group the numbers together.

• Step 2 : Multiply the numbers.
• Step 3 : Simplify the powers of 10.
• Step 4 : Express the answer in scientific notation.
Example
Multiply: (8 × 103) × (9 × 102), and express your answer in scientific notation.

To divide numbers expressed in scientific notation:

Step 1: Group the numbers together.
Step 2: Divide the numbers.
Step 3: Simplify the powers of 10.
Step 4: Express the answer in scientific notation.

Example
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Divide '×)&!