Final answer:
The difference between (1.5 x 10^4) and (7.6 x 10^3) is -6.1 x 10^4 when expressed in scientific notation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the difference and write your answer in scientific notation for the expression (1.5 x 10^4) - (7.6 x 10^3), follow these steps:
- Adjust the exponents so they match. Since 1.5 x 10^4 is already the higher power of ten, we convert 7.6 x 10^3 to the same exponent of 10^4 by multiplying it by 10: (7.6 x 10 x 10^3) = (7.6 x 10^4).
- Now that both numbers are expressed as powers of 10^4, subtract the coefficients: 1.5 - 7.6 = -6.1.
- Express the final answer in scientific notation: -6.1 x 10^4.
It's important to note that in subtraction, if the result of the coefficients is negative, the scientific notation should also reflect that with a negative coefficient.