Subtract Numbers in Scientific Notation
Grade 7 students in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 (Chapter 10: Exponents and Scientific Notation) learn to subtract numbers in scientific notation with the same power of 10 by subtracting coefficients while keeping the common power unchanged. The result may be positive or negative.
Key Concepts
When subtracting numbers in scientific notation with the same power of 10, subtract the coefficients and keep the same power: $(a \times 10^n) (b \times 10^n) = (a b) \times 10^n$.
Common Questions
How do you subtract numbers in scientific notation with the same power?
Subtract the coefficients and keep the same power: (a x 10n) - (b x 10n) = (a-b) x 10n. Example: (7.5 x 10^4) - (3.2 x 10^4) = 4.3 x 10^4.
Can the result of subtracting scientific notation be negative?
Yes. If the second coefficient is larger than the first, the result is negative. Example: (6.1 x 10^7) - (8.4 x 10^7) = -2.3 x 10^7.
What if scientific notation numbers have different powers?
You must first convert one number to match the other power before subtracting.
What chapter in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 covers subtracting scientific notation?
Chapter 10: Exponents and Scientific Notation in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 (Grade 7) covers subtracting scientific notation numbers.
Do you need to convert after subtracting scientific notation?
Check if your answer is in proper scientific notation form (coefficient between 1 and 10). Convert if necessary.