Adding and Subtracting Scientific Notation Explained

What must be the same when adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation?

• The coefficients

• The exponents

• The decimal points

• The base

When adding scientific notation, what do you do with the coefficients?

• Divide them

• Multiply them

• Subtract them

• Add them

If the exponents are not the same, what must you do before adding or subtracting scientific notation?

• Change the coefficients

• Change the base

• Make the exponents the same

• Move the decimal point

In the example of adding 2.5 x 10^3 and 1.9 x 10^5, what is the first step?

• Subtract the exponents

• Move the decimal point to the right

• Make the exponents the same

• Add the coefficients directly

What is the result of adding 2.5 x 10^3 and 1.9 x 10^5 after making the exponents the same?

• 0.025 x 10^5

• 0.025 x 10^3

• 1.925 x 10^3

• 1.925 x 10^5

In the example of subtracting 72 x 10^4 and 3.1 x 10^3, what is the first step?

• Add the coefficients directly

• Move the decimal point to the left

• Make the exponents the same

• Subtract the exponents

What is the result of subtracting 72 x 10^4 and 3.1 x 10^3 after making the exponents the same?

• 68.9 x 10^3

• 68.9 x 10^4

• 68.9 x 10^5

• 68.9 x 10^2

When adding 8.7 x 10^-4 and 9.2 x 10^-6, what must be done to the exponents first?

• Make them both -6

• Make them both -4

• Subtract the coefficients directly

• Add the coefficients directly

What is the result of adding 8.7 x 10^-4 and 9.2 x 10^-6 after making the exponents the same?

• 8.792 x 10^-4

• 8.792 x 10^-6

• 8.792 x 10^-5

• 8.792 x 10^-3

What is the result of subtracting 0.00 x 10^-8 and 3.1 x 10^-5 after making the exponents the same?

• -3.0928 x 10^-5

• -3.0928 x 10^-6

• -3.0928 x 10^-3

• -3.0928 x 10^-4