Final answer:
The main difference between adding and subtracting versus multiplying and dividing numbers in scientific notation is b. Multiplying and dividing is simpler in scientific notation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When multiplying numbers in scientific notation, we multiply the values of N and add together the values of n. On the other hand, when dividing, we divide N in the dividend by N in the divisor and then subtract n in the divisor from n in the dividend. In multiplication and division, the exponents do not have to be the same, unlike addition and subtraction where they need to be the same.
In scientific notation, multiplying numbers is easier because we just need to multiply the coefficients and add the exponents. For example, (3 x 10^5) x (2 x 10^0) = 6 x 10^14. Dividing numbers in scientific notation involves dividing the coefficients and subtracting the exponents. For example, (6 x 10^14) ÷ (2 x 10^5) = 3 x 10^9.
Overall, multiplying and dividing in scientific notation is simpler because we focus on the coefficients and easily manipulate the powers of 10. In contrast, adding and subtracting in scientific notation requires converting the numbers to have the same exponent before performing the operation. Therefore, the correct answer is b. Multiplying and dividing is simpler in scientific notation.