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How do you add, subtract, divide, and multiply scientific notation expressions

2 Answers

2 votes
you can call it pemdas .( peranthasis,expression,multiply,divide,add,subtract

User Richard Hulse
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6 votes
scientific notation is
n*10^x
where 1≤n<10 and x is a whole power
so remember some simple rules
(ab)(cd)=(a)(b)(c)(d)=(ac)(bd)

(ab)/(cd)=( (a)/(c))( (b)/(d))
also properties of exponents

(x^m)(x^n)=x^(m+n)
and

(x^m)/(x^n)=x^(m-n)

why is this important?

because
lets say
8*10^9 times 4*10^2
this means
(8)(10^9)(4)(10^2)=(8*4)(10^9*10^2)=32*10^{9+2}=32*10^11, but wait, it has to be less than 10
32=3.2*10^1
32*10^11=3.2*10^1*10^11=3.2*10^12

for division

(3*10^8)/(2*10^3)=( (3)/(2))( (10^8)/(10^3))=1.5*10^5

the only way to add or subtract scientifict notation is when the x on the 10^x are the same
otherwise, yo have to expand the expressions


User Robert Pankowecki
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8.8k points