Scientific Notation Word Problems

Front

What is scientific notation?

Back

A way of expressing very large or very small numbers using powers of ten, in the form a × 10^n, where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an integer.

Front

How do you add numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Align the exponents. If they are the same, add the coefficients. If not, adjust one number to have the same exponent before adding.

Front

How do you subtract numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Align the exponents. If they are the same, subtract the coefficients. If not, adjust one number to have the same exponent before subtracting.

Front

How do you multiply numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents.

Front

How do you divide numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents.

Front

What is the distance from the sun to Mercury in scientific notation?

Back

5.7 × 10^7 km.

Front

What is the distance from the sun to Neptune in scientific notation?

Back

4.5 × 10^9 km.

Front

If a factory makes 3 × 10^4 t-shirts per day, how many t-shirts will it make in 2.5 × 10^2 days?

Back

7.5 × 10^6 t-shirts.

Front

What is the combined population of NYC (8.1 × 10^6) and LA (3.8 × 10^6)?

Back

11.9 × 10^6.

Front

What is the population of Mathville (5.6 × 10^3) compared to Algeville (1.3 × 10^4)?

Back

Algeville has 7,400 more people than Mathville.