Using scientific notation in calculations (8th grade math)

First, we find out how many times bigger 6 · 10⁵ is than 3 · 10⁻⁴. This is a multiplicative comparison of two numbers written in scientific notation, which means we divide the numbers to find the answer.

Then we compare the mass of the earth with the mass of a person (Alice), and also the mass of Alice with the mass of an ant. The masses are written in scientific notation, and to compare them (a multiplicative comparison), again, we divide the two.

Here in this second part, I first show an example of ADDING vs. MULTIPLYING two numbers that are written in scientific notation. We will also go through an example where the two numbers have negative exponents. Lastly, we get to space again. I calculate the difference between the diameters of the sun and Jupiter. Then I calculate how many times the sun's diameter is that of Jupiter.

See also

Significant Digits — video lesson

Math Mammoth Grade 8 curriculum

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