How do you multiply #(2times10^-4)times(4times10^-3)# and write the answer in scientific notation?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-13T14:38:10

#8 xx 10^-7#

To solve this problem first redistribute the terms to group like terms:

#2 xx 10^-4 xx 4 xx 10^-3#

#2 xx 4 xx 10^-4 xx 10^-3#

#(2 xx 4) xx (10^-4 xx 10^-3)#

#8 xx (10^-4 xx 10^-3)#

Now we can use the exponent rule for multiplying common terms with exponents:

#color(red)(x^a xx x^b = x^(a + b))#

#8 xx 10^(-4 - 3)#

#8 xx 10^-7#