Addition:

In sequence to add two or more numbers using scientific notation, the subsequent three steps must be used.

Step 1: Change all addends to have the same power of ten through moving the decimal point (that is, change all lower powers of ten to the highest power).

Step 2: Add the decimal numbers of the addends and remain the common power of ten.

Step 3: If essential, rewrite the decimal along with a single number to the left of the decimal point.

For example, for 3.5 x 10³   + 5 x 10²   you are asked to add 3.5 thousands to 5 hundreds. Converting 3.5 thousands to 35 hundreds (3.5 x 10³ = 35 x 10²) we obtain 35 hundreds + 5 hundreds = 40 hundreds or 3.5 x 10³ = 35 x 10² + 5 x 10² = 4 x 10³.  The student should do the same problem by converting the 5 x 10² to thousands and then adding.

Example:

Add (9.24 x 10⁴) + (8.3 x 10³)

Solution:

Step 1: 9.24 x 10⁴ = 9.24 x 10⁴

8.3 x 10³= 0.83 x 10⁴

Step 2: 9.24 x 10⁴

+0.83 x 10⁴

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Step 3: 10.07 x 10⁴ = 1.007 x 10⁵