scientific notation is
n*10^x
where 1≤n<10 and x is a whole power
so remember some simple rules
(ab)(cd)=(a)(b)(c)(d)=(ac)(bd)
[tex] \frac{ab}{cd}=( \frac{a}{c})( \frac{b}{d}) [/tex]
also properties of exponents
[tex](x^m)(x^n)=x^{m+n}[/tex]
and
[tex] \frac{x^m}{x^n}=x^{m-n} [/tex]
why is this important?
because
lets say
8*10^9 times 4*10^2
this means
(8)(10^9)(4)(10^2)=(8*4)(10^9*10^2)=32*10^{9+2}=32*10^11, but wait, it has to be less than 10
32=3.2*10^1
32*10^11=3.2*10^1*10^11=3.2*10^12
for division
[tex] \frac{3*10^8}{2*10^3}=( \frac{3}{2})( \frac{10^8}{10^3}) [/tex]=1.5*10^5
the only way to add or subtract scientifict notation is when the x on the 10^x are the same
otherwise, yo have to expand the expressions
