Using Scientific Notation When Multiplying and Dividing Monomials

In order to understand this lesson, you will need to have a basic understanding of scientific notation.

Throughout your studies, you may be asked to multiply or divide numerals that are written in scientific notation. You will follow the same process that you learned when multiplying and dividing monomials; however, the only difference is that you will need to make sure that your final answer is written in scientific notation.

Let's look at a few examples.

Example 1: Multiplying Monomials Written in Scientific Notation

Let's take a look at another example with negative exponents.

Example 2: Negative Exponents

Now let's look at a couple of examples that require division.

Example 3: Scientific Notation with Division of Monomials

And.... one more example.  Pay special attention to how we write the answer in scientific notation at the end of the problem.

Example 4: Writing the Answer in Scientific Notation

It can be tricky trying to figure out the exponent if the final answer is not in scientific notation format. If you have trouble thinking it through, write the initial answer in expanded form and then translate it back into scientific notation. Take a look at this final example.

Example 5: Having Trouble With the Final Answer?

Obviously this is a much longer process, so you only need to do this if you are really confused about how to convert the final answer. Once you do this a few times, you'll probably be able to convert to the shorter method - it will suddenly make sense!

1. Home
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2. Exponents
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3. Scientific Notation

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