Chapter 2, Problem 73A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The effect on the exponent value needs to be determined, if two numbers are divided in scientific notation.

Concept introduction:

Scientific notation is a term used to express any number as a number between $1$ and $10$ (termed as coefficient) multiplied by $10$ raised to a power (termed as exponent). Scientists express numbers in a scientific notation form.

Answer to Problem 73A

If two number in scientific notation are divided, the exponents must be subtracted i.e. the denominator’s exponent value subtracted from the numerator’s exponent value.

Explanation of Solution

Scientific notation is a term used to express any number as a number between $1$ and $10$ multiplied by $10$ raised to a power. If two number in scientific notation are divided, the exponents must be subtracted i.e. the denominator’s exponent value subtracted from the numerator’s exponent value.

For example, if ${10}^5$ is divided by ${10}^3$, the result obtained will be ${10}^2$.

Conclusion

If two number in scientific notation are divided, the exponents must be subtracted i.e. the denominator’s exponent value subtracted from the numerator’s exponent value.