Multiplying and dividing in scientific notation
The question
(6 × 10⁸) ÷ (1.5 × 10⁻²)
(6 × 10⁸) ÷ (1.5 × 10⁻²)
(6 × 10⁸) ÷ (1.5 × 10⁻²)
6÷1.5=4
8−−2=10
4 × 10¹⁰
1 ≤ 4 < 10
(6 × 10⁸) ÷ (1.5 × 10⁻²)=4 × 10¹⁰
- Handle the two parts separately: the coefficients divide and the powers subtract.
- Divide the coefficients: 6 ÷ 1.5 = 4.
- Now the powers. Dividing powers of the same base subtracts the exponents: 8 − −2 = 10. So the powers give 10¹⁰.
- Put them together: 4 × 10¹⁰. Check it: a coefficient has to be at least 1 and less than 10, and 4 is.
- So the answer is 4 × 10¹⁰ — 6 ÷ 1.5 = 4 and the powers give 10¹⁰.
How it works.
- 01
Handle the two parts separately: the coefficients divide and the powers subtract.
- 02
Divide the coefficients: 6 ÷ 1.5 = 4.
- 03
Now the powers. Dividing powers of the same base subtracts the exponents: 8 − −2 = 10. So the powers give 10¹⁰.
- 04
Put them together: 4 × 10¹⁰. Check it: a coefficient has to be at least 1 and less than 10, and 4 is.
- 05
So the answer is 4 × 10¹⁰ — 6 ÷ 1.5 = 4 and the powers give 10¹⁰.