How do you calculate in scientific notation?

Answer 1

Suppose p = a*10^x and q = b*10^y are two numbers in scientific notation. Then p*q = (a*b)*10^(x+y) where 1 <= |a|,|b| < 10 implies that 1 <= |a*b| < 100.
If a*b is greater than or equal to 10, let a*b = 10*c then in scientific notation, p*q = c*10^(x+y+1). Also p/q = (a/b)*10^(x-y) where, 1 <= |a|,|b| < 10 implies that 0 < |a/b| <= 1.
If a/b is less than 1, let a/b = c/10 then in scientific notation, p/q = c*10^(x-y-1). Suppose you have two numbers in scientific notation.

· Rename them so that the exponents (powers of 10) are the same, · add the two mantissae to form the new mantissa, and append the 10 and exponent, · if the resulting mantissa is 10 or greater then rename the mantissa and adjust the exponent accordingly.
For the first stage you may rename both numbers or either one.

For example,

3.5*10^3+ 4.5*10^4= 3.5*10^3+ 45*10^3= (3.5+45)*10^3= 48.5*10^3= 4.85*10^4
or
3.5*10^3+ 4.5*10^4= 0.35*10^4+ 4.5*10^4= (0.35+4.5)*10^4= 4.85*10^4