Question

What is the rule for adding/subtracting numbers in scientific notation with the same powers?

a) Combine coefficients; keep the common exponent.
b) Multiply coefficients; add the common exponent.
c) Add coefficients; subtract the common exponent.
d) Divide coefficients; maintain the common exponent.

Answer 1

The rule for adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation with the same powers is to combine coefficients and maintain the common exponent.

Step-by-step explanation:

When adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation with the same powers, the rule is to combine coefficients and keep the common exponent. This means that you add or subtract the values of the coefficients (the numbers in front of the power of ten), while retaining the same power of ten. Both numbers must have the same exponent to perform the addition or subtraction directly. For example, (1.36 × 10²) + (4.73 × 10²) would result in (1.36 + 4.73) × 10² = 6.09 × 10².