Adding and subtracting numbers written in scientific notation is usually easiest. This is because when adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation, you can simply align the decimal points and then perform the addition or subtraction operation on the coefficients while keeping the exponent the same.
For example, consider adding 5.6 x 10^4 and 2.3 x 10^3:
5.6 x 10^4
+ 2.3 x 10^3
--------------
= 5.6 x 10^4 + 0.23 x 10^4 (adjusted the exponent to be the same)
= 5.83 x 10^4
Multiplying or dividing numbers in scientific notation typically involves doing more calculations. In multiplication, you multiply the coefficients and add the exponents, while in division, you divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents. These additional steps can make the processes more complex than addition or subtraction.
do you think adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing numbers written in scientific notation is easiest? why?
1 answer
1 answer