Chapter 2: Problem 13
Solve each problem, and express the answer in scientific notation. a. \(\left(5 \times 10^{-5}\right)+\left(2 \times 10^{-5}\right) \quad\) c. \(\left(9 \times 10^{2}\right)-\left(7 \times 10^{2}\right)\) b. \(\left(7 \times 10^{8}\right)-\left(4 \times 10^{8}\right) \quad\) d. \(\left(4 \times 10^{-12}\right)+\left(1 \times 10^{-12}\right)\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Align Terms with Same Exponent for Problem a
Write Result in Scientific Notation for Problem a
Align Terms with Same Exponent for Problem c
Write Result in Scientific Notation for Problem c
Align Terms with Same Exponent for Problem b
Write Result in Scientific Notation for Problem b
Align Terms with Same Exponent for Problem d
Write Result in Scientific Notation for Problem d
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Addition and Subtraction
To add or subtract these numbers:
- First, ensure that the exponents (the powers of 10) are the same.
- If they are not, you'll need to adjust the numbers so that they match, but in our original exercise, they already do.
- Once the exponents are aligned, simply add or subtract the coefficients. The power of 10 remains unchanged.
Coefficients
It's important to remember when adding or subtracting in scientific notation that:
- You only perform the operation on the coefficients.
- The exponent, or the power of 10, remains consistent throughout the process as long as it was initially matching.
- By focusing on changing just the coefficient, you streamline the process and reduce potential errors.
Exponents
When working with scientific notation, especially in addition or subtraction:
- Ensure exponents are the same before performing any operations.
- This consistency lets you focus solely on the coefficients, knowing the exponent won't alter the operation.
- If exponent alignment is necessary, consider converting one number so that both have identical exponents before proceeding with addition or subtraction.
Educational Math Problems
- They enforce discipline in aligning exponents before performing operations on the coefficients.
- These problems also help students form connections between various mathematical concepts and real-world applications, such as in physics or engineering.
- By repeatedly practicing with scientific notation, students learn to translate complex, oversized numbers into a more manageable form.