Multiply and Divide Numbers in Scientific Notation
Learning Outcome
Multiply and divide numbers expressed in scientific notation
Multiplying and Dividing Numbers Expressed in Scientific Notation
Numbers that are written in scientific notation can be multiplied and divided rather simply by taking advantage of the properties of numbers and the rules of exponents that you may recall. To multiply numbers in scientific notation, first multiply the numbers that are not powers of [latex]10[/latex] (the a in [latex]a\times10^{n}[/latex]). Then multiply the powers of ten by adding the exponents.
This will produce a new number times a different power of [latex]10[/latex]. All you have to do is check to make sure this new value is in scientific notation. If it is not, you convert it.
Multiply using the Product Rule, so add the exponents.
[latex]2.337\times10^{1+\left(-4\right)}[/latex]
The answer is [latex]2.337\times10^{-3}[/latex]
In the following video, you will see an example of how to multiply two numbers that are written in scientific notation.
In order to divide numbers in scientific notation, you once again apply the properties of numbers and the rules of exponents. You begin by dividing the numbers that are not powers of [latex]10[/latex] (the a in [latex]a\times10^{n}[/latex]. Then you divide the powers of ten by subtracting the exponents.
This will produce a new number times a different power of [latex]10[/latex]. If it is not already in scientific notation, you convert it, and then you are done.
The answer is [latex]2.6989\times {{10}^{-2}}[/latex]
Notice that when you divide exponential terms, you subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator. You will see another example of dividing numbers written in scientific notation in the following video.
Candela Citations
CC licensed content, Original
Revision and Adaptation. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
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Unit 11: Exponents and Polynomials, from Developmental Math: An Open Program. Provided by: Monterey Institute of Technology and Education. Located at: http://nrocnetwork.org/dm-opentext. License: CC BY: Attribution
Examples: Dividing Numbers Written in Scientific Notation. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com) for Lumen Learning. Located at: https://youtu.be/8BX0oKUMIjw. License: CC BY: Attribution
Examples: Multiplying Numbers Written in Scientific Notation. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com) for Lumen Learning. Located at: https://youtu.be/5ZAY4OCkp7U. License: CC BY: Attribution
Licenses and Attributions
CC licensed content, Original
Revision and Adaptation. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
CC licensed content, Shared previously
Unit 11: Exponents and Polynomials, from Developmental Math: An Open Program. Provided by: Monterey Institute of Technology and Education. Located at: http://nrocnetwork.org/dm-opentext. License: CC BY: Attribution
Examples: Dividing Numbers Written in Scientific Notation. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com) for Lumen Learning. Located at: https://youtu.be/8BX0oKUMIjw. License: CC BY: Attribution
Examples: Multiplying Numbers Written in Scientific Notation. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com) for Lumen Learning. Located at: https://youtu.be/5ZAY4OCkp7U. License: CC BY: Attribution