What you’ll learn
Multiply/divide scientific notation.
Key idea
Multiply or divide coefficients and add or subtract corresponding exponents, then normalize while preserving value.
Normalize coefficient while compensating exponent; exact terminating coefficient division is bounded to denominators 2,4,5,8.
Worked example
Enter the exact value or ordered values in the format requested below.
Compute (2×10^-1)÷(2×10^-2). Enter the normalized scientific-notation result.
- Divide coefficients gives 1; combine exponents as difference 1.
- Normalize coefficient and compensate exponent shift 0, yielding 1×10^1.
- The output exponent satisfies -1-x+(0)=1; missing exponent x=-2.
Answer: 1×10^1
Quick Check
Evaluate a worked attempt at multiply/divide scientific notation, identify the first invalid step, and provide the correction.
Compute (2×10^2)÷(2×10^2): Step 1 combines powers of ten to exponent 0. Step 2 adds coefficients 2+2=4, claiming (4)×10^0. Locate the first invalid step and correct the result.