b. Example. Multiply 3.2 X 102 by 2.0 X 103
Solution. Remember that when multiplying exponential expressions, the digit
terms are multiplied in the usual manner and the exponents of the exponential terms are
added, therefore:
(3.2 X 102) X (2.0 X 103) = 3.2 X 2.0 X 102 X 103 =
3.2 X 2.0 X 102+3 = 6.4 X 105
c. Example. Multiply 3.2 X 10-2 by 2.0 X 103
Solution.
(3.2 X 10-2) X (2.0 X 103) = 3.2 X 2.0 X 10-2 X 103 =
6.4 X 10-2+3 = 6.4 X 101
Equivalently:
3.2 X 10-2
Multiply the digit terms
2.0 X 103
----------
exponential terms.
6.4 X 101
d. Example. Multiply 0.00056 by 0.013 using scientific notation.
Solution. Before you multiply, the above numbers must be converted to
scientific notation. Multiply the digit terms and add the exponentential terms.
Thus, 0.00056 = 5.6 X 10-4 and 0.013 = 1.3 X 10-2
5.6 X 10-4
1.3 X 10-2
----------
7.28 X 10-6 ----> 7.3 X 10-6
MD0837
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