How do you add numbers in scientific notation if the problem is like this?

\[3.72 \times 10^9 + 5.46 \times 10^8\]

You can only add or subtract numbers in scientific notation if they have the same power of 10. If they're different, then you have to change one to match the other one.
Here are both ways to do your example:
3.72x 10^9 = 37.2x10^8
(37.2 x 10^8)+(5.46 x 10^8) = (37.2+5.46) x 10^8 = 42.66x10^8 = 4.266x10^9
=======================
5.46 x 10^8 = 0.546 x 10^9
3.72 x 10^9 + 0.546 x 10^9 = (3.72 + 0.546) x 10^9 = 4.266 x 10^9

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-06-10

To add numbers in scientific notation with different exponents, first convert one number to match the exponent of the other. Then, add the coefficients and re-adjust if needed. This results in a final sum that maintains proper scientific notation format.
;

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-12-26