Am I doing this right? Simple Algebra Question

Perform the indicated operation and write the answer in scientific notation:
(0.5x10^7)/(1x10^9)

Question

Am I doing this right? Simple Algebra Question

Perform the indicated operation and write the answer in scientific notation:
(0.5x10^7)/(1x10^9)

mathmale · Answer

This work might be slightly easier for you if you'd rearrange the expression before attempting the necessary math operations:

(0.5x10^7)/(1x10^9) becomes$$\frac{ 0.5 }{ 10^7 }*\frac{ 1 }{ 10^9 }$$

mathmale · Answer

Use the appropriate "rule of exponents" to simplify (10^7)(10^9).  Rewrite 0.5 as 5(10)^(-1).

cobaltthunder267 · Answer

So by rewriting 0.5 to scientific notation, can I subtract exponents, or do I multiply by the LCD? @mathmale

cobaltthunder267 · Answer

Ok, I figured it out. I was getting the answer $$0.5*10^-2$$BUT I had forgotten that numbers in Scientific Notation need to be between 1 and 10. So to meet those parameters, you have to move the decimal point one more space so you end up with...
$$5*10^-3$$