Question

how do you multiply scientific notation with unlike terms

Answer 1

Just multiply the first term of the notation like; \[(2.5*10^6) * 5 = 1.25*10^7\]
When the first term gets over 10 you add on 10 to the exponent

Answer 2

what it if it is like this: 4.2x10^2 x 2.3x10^-3? What would the exponent be? positive or negative?

Answer 3

Using the exponent rules, \[x^a \times x^b = x ^{a+b}\]

So the answer is \[(4.2*2.3) * 10 ^{2+(-3)} = 9.88*10^{-1}\]

Answer 4

are u still going to abide to the laws of exponents?

Answer 5

When using scientific notation the laws of exponents are crucial.
Some examples:
\[(2 * 10 ^2)*2 = (2*2) * 10^2 \]
\[(4*10^5)* 10^4 = 4 *(10^5*10^4) = 4* 10^{5+4} = 4 * 10^9\]

Answer 6

Do you see the pattern?