Mastering Adding and Subtracting in Scientific Notation

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

• Converting to standard form

• Adjusting the coefficients

• Ensuring the numbers have the same power of 10

• Combining like terms

When converting 2.6 x 10^2 to standard form, what is the result?

• 26

• 2600

• 260

• 0.026

Why can't you simply add 2.6 and 4.8 when they have different powers of 10?

• Because their coefficients are not adjusted

• Because they are not in standard form

• Because they line up differently on the right side

• Because they are not like terms

If the exponent increases, what happens to the coefficient?

• It becomes negative

• It stays the same

• It decreases

• It increases

What is the result of adding 4.8 x 10^4 and 0.026 x 10^4?

• 0.026 x 10^4

• 4.8 x 10^4

• 4.826 x 10^4

• 48.26 x 10^4

What is the first step in subtracting numbers in scientific notation?

• Adjusting the coefficients

• Converting to standard form

• Ensuring the numbers have the same power of 10

• Combining like terms

How do you adjust 1.8 x 10^-6 to have the same power of 10 as 5.3 x 10^-3?

• Increase the exponent by 3

• Decrease the exponent by 3

• Increase the coefficient by 3

• Decrease the coefficient by 3

What is the result of subtracting 0.0018 x 10^-3 from 5.3 x 10^-3?

• 5.2982 x 10^-3

• 5.3018 x 10^-3

• 5.298 x 10^-3

• 5.3 x 10^-3

Why is it easier to adjust the smaller exponent up to a bigger one?

• It reduces the number of calculations

• It avoids negative exponents

• It simplifies the final step

• It makes the coefficients equal

What should you check for in the final step of adding or subtracting in scientific notation?

• That the coefficients are equal

• That the result is in proper scientific notation

• That the decimals are aligned

• That the exponents are positive