Adding and Subtracting in Scientific Notation Explained

What is the first step when adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation?

• Multiply the coefficients

• Add the exponents

• Subtract the exponents

• Add or subtract the coefficients

Why must the exponents be equal when adding or subtracting in scientific notation?

• To make the calculation easier

• To ensure the powers of 10 are the same

• To simplify the coefficients

• To avoid decimal points

In the first problem, what is the result of 9 times 10^9 minus 2 times 10^9?

• 11 times 10^9

• 7 times 10^9

• 6 times 10^9

• 5 times 10^9

What is the sum of 3.6 times 10^7 and 2.1 times 10^7?

• 5.7 times 10^7

• 5.7 times 10^6

• 6.7 times 10^7

• 4.7 times 10^7

In the second problem, why don't we need to change the exponents?

• Because the powers of 10 are different

• Because the exponents are already equal

• Because the coefficients are already equal

• Because the coefficients are different

What is the first step when dealing with unequal exponents in scientific notation?

• Add the coefficients

• Subtract the coefficients

• Multiply the exponents

• Equalize the exponents

How do you change an exponent from 4 to 5 in scientific notation?

• Move the decimal to the left and add one to the exponent

• Move the decimal to the right and subtract one from the exponent

• Move the decimal to the right and add one to the exponent

• Move the decimal to the left and subtract one from the exponent

What is the result of 7.73 times 10^5 minus 0.53 times 10^5?

• 7.1 times 10^5

• 7.4 times 10^5

• 7.3 times 10^5

• 7.2 times 10^5

Why do we move the decimal point to the left when equalizing exponents?

• To simplify the coefficient

• To avoid decimal points

• To increase the exponent

• To decrease the exponent

What should you do if you need to change an exponent from 4 to 6?

• Move the decimal two places to the right

• Move the decimal one place to the left

• Move the decimal two places to the left

• Move the decimal one place to the right