Question

chemistry. scientific notation,where do i move the decimals?!
5.72 x 10^-4 - 2.3 x10^-5

Answer 1

= 0.000572 - 0.000023

Answer 2

If the exponent is negative the decimal will move to the left, making the number smaller.

I have found it easiest to do exponential notation by doing the math for the decimal first.

5.72-2.3=3.42

When you add exponential values you add the exponents together.

10^-4+10^-5 you add the exponents together. 10^-9

3.42x10^-9

Hope that helps! Negative exponents mean tiny tiny numbers, while positive exponents mean very large values.

Answer 3

= 0.000549
= 5.49 x 10^-4