Adding and subtracting numbers written in scientific notation require the numbers to have the same exponent. The steps involved in adding or subtracting are as follows:
1. Match the exponents of both numbers by adjusting the decimal point.
2. Add or subtract the coefficients.
3. Keep the scientific notation by ensuring the result is between 1 and 10, and adjusting the exponent accordingly.
Multiplying and dividing numbers written in scientific notation involve multiplying or dividing the coefficients, and adding or subtracting the exponents accordingly. The steps involved in multiplying or dividing are as follows:
1. Multiply or divide the coefficients.
2. Add or subtract the exponents, depending on whether it is multiplication or division.
3. Keep the scientific notation by ensuring the result is between 1 and 10, and adjusting the exponent accordingly.
The steps in each case are similar in that both operations involve adjusting the exponents to match and manipulating the coefficients. However, the key difference is that adding/subtracting requires matching the exponents, whereas multiplying/dividing involves adding or subtracting the exponents.
The easiest operation among adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing numbers written in scientific notation could vary from person to person. However, generally, multiplying and dividing may be considered easier because they only involve manipulating the coefficients and adding or subtracting the exponents. Adding and subtracting require additional steps to ensure the exponents match, which can be more complex for some individuals.
Compare and contrast adding/subtracting numbers written in scientific notation
with multiplying/dividing numbers written in scientific notation. How are the steps in
each case similar? How are they different? Do you think adding, subtracting,
multiplying, or dividing numbers written in scientific notation is easiest? Why?
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1 answer