SOLUTION: I need help with this question. The subtraction sign in the middle confuses me. Not sure if I need to multiply or subtract. Thank you! (2.053 x 10e4) - (7.956 x 10e3)

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: I need help with this question. The subtraction sign in the middle confuses me. Not sure if I need to multiply or subtract. Thank you! (2.053 x 10e4) - (7.956 x 10e3)      Log On


   

Question 1154534: I need help with this question. The subtraction sign in the middle confuses me. Not sure if I need to multiply or subtract. Thank you!
(2.053 x 10e4) - (7.956 x 10e3)
Found 3 solutions by ikleyn, Edwin McCravy, Alan3354:
Answer by ikleyn(52852) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

You need to multiply in parentheses, where you see the sign " x ".

You need to subtract where you see the sign " - ".


There is no any doubts.

Boldly go forward.



Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(2.053    x    10^4) - (7.956   x   10^3)

The power of 10 tells you how many places to move the decimal.
If it is a positive number, move the decimal right. If it is a
negative number, move it left.

(2.053    x    10^4) - (7.956   x   10^3)

Move the decimal of 2.053 4 places right and get 20530 because 10 is to the 4th
power.

Move the decimal of 7.956 3 places right and get 7956 because 10 is to the 3rd
power.

So we subtract: 20530-7956 = 12574.

This is 1.2574  x  10^4 because you have to move the decimal 4 places
to get 12574,

Edwin

Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I need help with this question. The subtraction sign in the middle confuses me. Not sure if I need to multiply or subtract. Thank you!
(2.053 x 10e4) - (7.956 x 10e3)
=============================================
A subtraction sign means subtract. Why the confusion about that?
------------
Use 2.053e4 - 7.956e3
------
Change the format of either number to make the exponents match.
---> 20.53e3 - 7.956e3
Subtract
---> 12.754e3
Adjust the decimal point
= 1.2754e4
Or 1.2754*10^4