Video · + 1 min read
(Video) Multiplication with Scientific Notation
by mathman1024
This video by mathman1024 covers multiplication with numbers written in scientific notation. Here's the formula for how it's done:
He begins with the example: . Because everything is being multiplied this can be rearranged as follows. The first step works because of the commutative property of multiplication.
The last step is true by the product rule for exponents. We are simply adding powers together.
So all you need to do is multiply the decimal parts together and then add the exponents for the 's parts. There's one final thing you have to be weary of when doing this and we will see it in the next example.
He looks at the problem, . So we're done right? Not exactly. Look at the new decimal number we have, . This needs to be between and in order to be in scientific notation. So let's move the decimal over to the left one position. Now that's a number that works for us! But we moved the decimal place over one so we have to represent this new change in our exponent. But do we add to the exponent or subtract ? This is where it can get tricky. I can assure you that even I have trouble keeping track whether you increase or decrease. But he gives a good analogy to help you understand.
So is too big for scientific notation. Assume this is the same as having too much money in your wallet. In order to get rid of money you have to deposit some in the bank, . If we deposit some, our wallet has less money, . But now that money has gone to the bank, so the money in the bank has increased, .
Therefore, the answer to the problem is


