Question

Evaluate (2.5 times 10^-2)(5times 10^-3) Express the result in scieentific notation

Answer 1

Given the following expression:

`(2.5\cdot10^(-2))(5\cdot10^(-3))`

You can follow the steps shown below to evaluate it:

Step 1. You must multiply the coefficients:

`(2.5)(5)=12.5`

Step 2. According to the Product of powers property:

`b^m\cdot b^n=b^((m+n))`

Then:

`(10^(-2))(10^(-3))=10^((-2-3))=10^(-5)`

Step 3. Rewrite the expression:

`=12.5\cdot10^(-5)`

Step 4. In Scientific notation the Decimal point must be after the first digit of the coefficient. In this case, you need to move it one place to the left. So, you must add 1 to the exponent.

Then, the result is:

`=1.25\cdot10^(-4)`