Math 8 Unit 7: Adding/Subtracting Numbers in Scientific Notation

Front

What is scientific notation?

Back

A way to express 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 or subtract numbers in scientific notation?

Back

Ensure the exponents are the same, then add or subtract the coefficients.

Front

What is the first step in subtracting (9.87 x 10^7) - (7.42 x 10^7)?

Back

Since the exponents are the same, subtract the coefficients: 9.87 - 7.42.

Front

What is the result of (9.87 x 10^7) - (7.42 x 10^7)?

Back

2.45 x 10^7.

Front

What must be true about the exponents when adding or subtracting in scientific notation?

Back

The exponents must be the same.

Front

What do you do with the coefficients when adding (4.1 x 10^5) + (5.5 x 10^6)?

Back

Convert (4.1 x 10^5) to (0.041 x 10^6) to match the exponents, then add: 0.041 + 5.5.

Front

What is the sum of (4.1 x 10^5) + (5.5 x 10^6)?

Back

5.91 x 10^6.

Front

When subtracting (6.4 x 10^-6) - (5.7 x 10^-7), what is the first step?

Back

Convert (5.7 x 10^-7) to (0.057 x 10^-6) to match the exponents.

Front

What is the result of (6.4 x 10^-6) - (5.7 x 10^-7)?

Back

5.83 x 10^-6.

Front

What is the importance of matching exponents in scientific notation?

Back

It allows for direct addition or subtraction of the coefficients.