Question

Using scientific notation, what is the solution to (5.4 * 105) - (1.2 * 103)?

5.412 * 105


5.388 * 102


5.388 * 103


5.388 * 105

Answer 1

`5.4*10^(5)-1.2*10^(3)=5.388*10^(5)`

Explanation:

We can rewrite
`1.2*10^(3)` as
`0.012*10^(5)`.

Now, let's subtract each term:

`5.4*10^(5)-0.012*10^(5)`

we can take a common factor.

`(5.4-0.012)*10^(5)=5.388*10^(5)`

Therefore the answer is
`5.388*10^(5)`.

I hope it helps you!