Question

Determine the sum. Write your answer in scientific notation.37.2 x 104 + 2.9 x 10^4

Answer 1

We have a sum of two terms expressed in scientific notation, this sum is:

`37.2\ast10^4+2.9\ast10^4`

Since both terms have the same exponent or magnitude, in this case, it is 4, we can add the coefficients and keep the magnitude.

`\begin{gathered} 37.2+2.9=40.1 \\ 37.2\ast10^4+2.9\ast10^4=40.1\ast10^4 \end{gathered}`

In conclusion, the sum is:

`40.1\cdot10^4`