Final answer:
To sum the given numbers in scientific notation, add their decimal parts, because their exponents are the same, resulting in 7.43 \u00d7 10^2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To add the numbers (2.39 \u00d7 10^2) and (5.04 \u00d7 10^2), you can simply add the decimal parts because the powers of 10 are the same. The calculation would be:
2.39 + 5.04 = 7.43
Since both numbers have the same exponent, 10^2, you do not change the exponent part when adding. Therefore, the sum in scientific notation is 7.43 \u00d7 10^2.
The correct answer is option a. 7.43 \u00d7 10^2 since it is the only choice with both the right decimal value and the correct power of ten.