Multiplying Numbers in Scientific Notation: A Simple Guide
This article will guide you through the process of multiplying the numbers $(2 \times 10^3) \times (3 \times 10^8)$.
Understanding Scientific Notation
Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers concisely. It takes the form of a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10.
For example, the number 2,000 can be written in scientific notation as $2 \times 10^3$ because $10^3$ equals 1,000.
Multiplying Numbers in Scientific Notation
To multiply numbers in scientific notation, follow these steps:
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Multiply the coefficients:
In this case, we multiply 2 by 3, which equals 6. -
Add the exponents: We add the exponents of the powers of 10. In this case, 3 + 8 = 11.
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Combine the results: The final result is the product of the coefficients multiplied by 10 raised to the sum of the exponents. Therefore, $(2 \times 10^3) \times (3 \times 10^8) = \boxed{6 \times 10^{11}}$.
Conclusion
Multiplying numbers in scientific notation is a straightforward process. By understanding the steps involved, you can easily calculate the product of any two numbers expressed in this format.