Adding and Subtracting in Scientific Notation

Adding and Subtracting in Scientific Notation

When Adding or Subtracting in Scientific Notation

• The exponents for the powers of 10 MUST be the same.

• Adjust the number written in scientific notation with the smaller exponent.

• To do this, look to see how much you need to increase the smaller exponent. Add that number to the power of 10.

• Move the decimal place of the lead number that many places to the left.

• Now add the lead terms. Be sure to line up decimals points.

• Check to make sure your answer is in scientific notation.

Multiple Choice

In order to add these numbers written in scientific notation, the first thing you'd do is?
(5.2 x 10⁷) + (3.01 x 10⁴)

• rewrite 3.01 x 10⁴ so that it was  $0.00301\ \times\ 10^7$  
  

• rewrite 3.01 x 10⁴ so that it was  $301\ \times\ 10^7$  

• rewrite 3.01 x 10⁴ so that it was  $30100\ \times\ 10^7$  

• rewrite 3.01 x 10⁴ so that it was  $0.0301\ \times\ 10^7$  

Multiple Choice

Find the sum

(5.2 x 10⁷) + (3.01 x 10⁴)

• 5.20301 x 10¹¹

• 5.20301 x 10⁷

• .520301 x 10⁷

• 5.20301 x 10⁸

Multiple Choice

Subtract.

(2 x 10³) - (1.9 x 10²)

• 1.81 x 10⁵

• 1.81 x 10⁶

• 1.81 x 10⁴

• 1.81 x 10³

Poll

How comfortable are you adding and subtracting in scientific notation?

• I've got it!

• I could use more practice.

• I don't get it at all.