Adding Scientific Notation: (3 x 10⁸) + (2 x 10⁷)
This problem involves adding numbers expressed in scientific notation. Here's how to solve it:
1. Understand Scientific Notation
Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers concisely. It follows the format:
a x 10^b
- a: The coefficient (a number between 1 and 10)
- 10: The base
- b: The exponent (a positive or negative integer)
2. Ensure Equal Exponents
Before adding, the exponents of both numbers must be the same. In this case, we need to adjust the second number:
- 2 x 10⁷ = 0.2 x 10⁸ (We moved the decimal one place to the left and decreased the exponent by 1)
3. Add the Coefficients
Now that the exponents are the same, we can add the coefficients:
- (3 x 10⁸) + (0.2 x 10⁸) = 3.2 x 10⁸
Solution: Therefore, (3 x 10⁸) + (2 x 10⁷) = 3.2 x 10⁸