When a number is written in scientific notation it is written as a product of a number that is at least 1 but less than 10 and a power of 10. Scientific notation makes it easier to read, write, and calculate with very large and very small numbers.
You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers that are written in scientific notation while still keeping the numbers in scientific notation.
Here are the steps for adding or subtracting two numbers written in scientific notation.
1. Rewrite the number with the smaller exponent so that it has the same exponent as the number with the larger exponent by moving the decimal point of its decimal number.
2. Add/subtract the decimal numbers. The power of 10 will not change.
3. Convert your result to scientific notation if necessary.
