mark needs to find the sum of $7.2 \\times 10^{-3}$ and $3.6 \\times 10^{-5}$. \nwhat are two ways mark can…

mark needs to find the sum of $7.2 \\times 10^{-3}$ and $3.6 \\times 10^{-5}$. \nwhat are two ways mark can start? \nmark could either rewrite $7.2 \\times 10^{-3}$ with the power ? or he could rewrite $3.6 \\times 10^{-5}$ with the power ?.

mark needs to find the sum of $7.2 \\times 10^{-3}$ and $3.6 \\times 10^{-5}$. \nwhat are two ways mark can start? \nmark could either rewrite $7.2 \\times 10^{-3}$ with the power ? or he could rewrite $3.6 \\times 10^{-5}$ with the power ?.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Match exponents to $10^{-5}$

To add $7.2 \times 10^{-3}$ to $3.6 \times 10^{-5}$, rewrite $7.2 \times 10^{-3}$ to have the same exponent as the smaller one. Since $10^{-3} = 10^{2} \times 10^{-5}$, we adjust the coefficient: $7.2 \times 10^{-3} = 720 \times 10^{-5}$

Step2: Match exponents to $10^{-3}$

Alternatively, rewrite $3.6 \times 10^{-5}$ to have the same exponent as the larger one. Since $10^{-5} = 10^{-2} \times 10^{-3}$, we adjust the coefficient: $3.6 \times 10^{-5} = 0.036 \times 10^{-3}$

Answer:

Mark could either rewrite $7.2 \times 10^{-3}$ with the power $\boldsymbol{10^{-5}}$ or he could rewrite $3.6 \times 10^{-5}$ with the power $\boldsymbol{10^{-3}}$.