How to simplify #6.2 times 10^3 + 4.5 times 10^2 # in scientific notation?

1 Answer
Nov 10, 2015

#6.2 xx 10^3 + 4.5 xx 10^2#
#=62 xx 10^2 + 4.5 xx 10^2#
#=66.5 xx 10^2#
#=6.65 xx 10^3#

Explanation:

Before adding, make sure that the scientific notations have the same exponents. Therefore you need to change either of the notations. As a sample, change #6.2 xx 10^3# to #( xx 10^2)#. Moving the decimal point one place to the right corresponds to -1 exponent, making it # 62 xx 10^2#. Now add the initial numbers or coefficients (M) and affix the base which is #10^2#. Then,change the scientific notation into its standard form using the General Formula: #1<=M<10#, therefore the final answer is #6.65 xx 10^3#.