How to Add and Subtract in Scientific Notations? (+FREE Worksheet!)
Scientific notation is one of the most common methods in mathematics for displaying very large and very small numbers that make calculations with those numbers easier. This article teaches you how to add and subtract in Scientific Notations using a few simple steps.

Scientific notation is one of the most common methods in mathematics for displaying very large and very small numbers that make calculations with those numbers easier. With a scientific notation, each number can be written as a product of two numbers.
To add or subtract numbers in scientific notion, we need to have the same power of the base (number \(10\)), and only decimal parts are added or subtracted.
Related Topics
- How to Round Decimals
- How to Multiply and Divide Decimals
- How to Add and Subtract Decimals
- How to Compare Decimals
Step by step guide to Add and Subtract Scientific Notations
Adding and subtracting numbers in scientific notion:
- Step 1: Adjust the powers in the numbers so that they have the same power. (It is easier to adjust the smaller power to equal the larger one)
- Step 2: Add or subtract the numbers (only decimal parts).
- Step 3: Convert the answer to scientific notation if needed.
Addition and Subtraction in Scientific Notation– Example 1:
Write the answer in scientific notation. \(11\times 10^7 -\ 4.4\times 10^7=\)
Solution:
Since two numbers have the same power, factor \(10^7\) out: \( (11 -\ 4.4 ) \times 10^7 = 6.6\times 10^7\)
Addition and Subtraction in Scientific Notation– Example 2:
Write the answer in scientific notation. \(9.7\times 10^4 -\ 33\times 10^3=\)
Solution:
Convert the second number to have the same power of \(10 \): \(33\times 10^3=3.3\times 10^4\).
Now, two numbers have the same power of \(10 \). Subtract: \( 9.7\times 10^4 -\ 3.3\times 10^4 = (9.7 -\ 3.3 ) \times 10^4 = 6.4\times 10^4\)
Addition and Subtraction in Scientific Notation– Example 3:
Write the answer in scientific notation. \(3.5\times 10^6 +\ 4.7\times 10^6=\)
Solution:
Since two numbers have the same power, factor \(10^6\) out: \( (3.5 +\ 4.7 ) \times 10^6 = 8.2\times 10^6\)
Addition and Subtraction in Scientific Notation– Example 4:
Write the answer in scientific notation. \(2.6\times 10^8 +\ 4.4\times 10^7=\)
Solution:
Convert the second number to have the same power of \(10 \): \(4.4\times 10^7=0.44\times 10^8\).
Now, two numbers have the same power of \(10 \). Add: \( 2.6\times 10^8 +\ 0.44\times 10^8 = (2.6 +\ 0.44 ) \times 10^8 = 3.04\times 10^8\)
Exercises for Adding and Subtracting Scientific Notations
Write the answer in scientific notation.
- \(\color{blue}{5.1\times 10^5 +\ 3.9\times 10^5=}\)
- \(\color{blue}{8.9\times 10^7 -\ 6.9\times 10^7=}\)
- \(\color{blue}{1.2\times 10^4 +\ 3\times 10^3=}\)
- \(\color{blue}{5.3\times 10^6 -\ 2.2\times 10^5=}\)
- \(\color{blue}{1.6\times 10^9 +\ 4.8\times 10^9=}\)
- \(\color{blue}{9.8\times 10^3 -\ 6.1\times 10^3=}\)

- \(\color{blue}{9\times 10^5}\)
- \(\color{blue}{2\times 10^7}\)
- \(\color{blue}{1.5\times 10^4}\)
- \(\color{blue}{5.08\times 10^6}\)
- \(\color{blue}{6.4\times 10^9}\)
- \(\color{blue}{3.7\times 10^3}\)
Related to This Article
More math articles
- Estimating Sums
- The Role of Math in Developing Strategic Thinking for iGaming
- How to Solve Unknown Angles? (+FREE Worksheet!)
- How to Make Math into a Fun Experience
- Top 10 ALEKS Math Prep Books (Our 2023 Favorite Picks)
- Top 10 Tips to Create a SHSAT Math Study Plan
- How to Estimate Limit Values from the Graph?
- 4th Grade New York State Assessments Math Worksheets: FREE & Printable
- How Does SAT Essay Affect Writing Score?
- The Ultimate 6th Grade LEAP Math Course (+FREE Worksheets)
What people say about "How to Add and Subtract in Scientific Notations? (+FREE Worksheet!) - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?
No one replied yet.