Simplifying Scientific Notation: (2 x 10^3)(3 x 10^2)
When multiplying numbers expressed in scientific notation, we can simplify the process by understanding the properties of exponents. Here's how to calculate (2 x 10^3)(3 x 10^2):
1. Multiply the coefficients:
- 2 x 3 = 6
2. Multiply the powers of 10:
- 10^3 x 10^2 = 10^(3+2) = 10^5
3. Combine the results:
- Therefore, (2 x 10^3)(3 x 10^2) = 6 x 10^5
Explanation:
- When multiplying exponents with the same base, you add the powers.
- In this case, 10^3 x 10^2 becomes 10^(3+2) = 10^5.
Conclusion:
By applying the rules of exponents, we simplified the multiplication of (2 x 10^3)(3 x 10^2) to 6 x 10^5. This demonstrates how scientific notation can make calculations with very large or very small numbers easier to manage.