1. Addition:
To add two numbers in scientific notation, you need to make sure that their exponents are the same. Once the exponents are aligned, you can simply add the corresponding coefficients.
Let's choose 3.2 ✕ 10^4 and 2.56 ✕ 10^-2:
3.2 ✕ 10^4 + 2.56 ✕ 10^-2
To align the exponents, we can rewrite 2.56 ✕ 10^-2 as 0.0256 ✕ 10^4.
Now we can add the coefficients: 3.2 + 0.0256 = 3.2256.
Therefore, 3.2 ✕ 10^4 + 2.56 ✕ 10^-2 = 3.2256 ✕ 10^4.
2. Subtraction:
Similarly, to subtract two numbers in scientific notation, you need to align their exponents. Then, you can subtract the corresponding coefficients.
Let's choose 1.95 ✕ 10^6 and 4.82 ✕ 10^12:
1.95 ✕ 10^6 - 4.82 ✕ 10^12
To align the exponents, we need to convert 1.95 ✕ 10^6 to scientific notation with an exponent of 12: 1.95 ✕ 10^6 = 0.00000000195 ✕ 10^12.
Now we can subtract the coefficients: 0.00000000195 - 4.82 = -4.819999999995.
Therefore, 1.95 ✕ 10^6 - 4.82 ✕ 10^12 = -4.82 ✕ 10^12 (approximated to 2 significant figures).
Scientific Notation Portfolio
Use this worksheet to record your answers to the Scientific Notation portfolio activities. There are 3 parts, so make sure you scroll down to see all of them. When you are finished, save your worksheet with your answers and submit it for a portfolio grade. By showing your work, we are asking you to write the equation and then solve and write the answer.
Part 1: Use the following numbers.
3.2 ✕ 10^4 1.95 ✕ 10^6 8.03 ✕ 10^-8 2.56 ✕ 10^-2 4.82 ✕ 10^12
Choose two of the scientific numbers from the list and add them. Show your work.
Choose two of the scientific numbers from the list and subtract them. Show your work.
1 answer