Question

Subtract numbers in scientific notation practice

Answer 1

Sure! Here are a few examples for you to practice subtracting numbers in scientific notation:

Example 1:
(5.4 x 10^7) - (3.2 x 10^6) =

To subtract these numbers, we need to ensure that the exponents are the same. In this case, we can rewrite 3.2 x 10^6 as 0.32 x 10^7 (since moving the decimal one place to the left increases the exponent by 1).

Now we can subtract the mantissas (the numbers before the exponent):
5.4 - 0.32 = 5.08

Finally, we keep the common exponent:
5.08 x 10^7

Example 2:
(6.75 x 10^4) - (1.25 x 10^3) =

Again, we need to ensure that the exponents are the same. We can rewrite 1.25 x 10^3 as 0.125 x 10^4.

Subtract the mantissas:
6.75 - 0.125 = 6.625

Keep the common exponent:
6.625 x 10^4

Example 3:
(9.12 x 10^8) - (2.5 x 10^7) =

The exponents are already the same, so no need for any adjustments.

Subtract the mantissas:
9.12 - 2.5 = 6.62

Keep the common exponent:
6.62 x 10^8

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.