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Copyright © Swun MathCopyright © Swun Math Grade 8 Unit 3 Lesson 3 C TE

Scientific Notation:

Add & Subtract

Conceptual Lesson
Grade 8 · Unit 3 · Lesson 3
MC: 8 .EE. 4 

Problem of the Day

Objective: I will add and subtract numbers in scientific notation.

Vocabulary Teacher Resources

Adding & Subtracting Scientific Notation

(4.342 × 10 ²) + (3.871 × 10 ³) =

Convert to same power:

(4.342 × 10 ²) + (38. 71 × 10 ²)

Add decimals:

4.342 + 38.71 = 43.052

Bring down exponent:

43.052 × 10 ² =

Proper Scientific Form

4.3052 × 10 ³

Considerations:

Refer to the previous lesson on scientific

notation and how to change the powers of ten.

Some students might prefer to change numbers

to standard form, add or subtract to identify the

solution and then convert the solution back to

standard notation. This lesson will focus on the

concept of adding and subtracting with scientific

notation, while the next lesson will focus on the

additional step of converting the exponents to

the same power.

Steps:

1. Add or subtract the number (decimal).


2. Bring down the exponent on the ten.

Application of MPs:

MP1: How would you describe what you are trying to

find?

I am trying to find the sum or the difference of

_____________________.

MP2: What properties might we use to find a

solution?

A property that we might use to find a

solution can be the ____________________.

MPs

Applied MP

* Embedded MP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

* ^ *

Student Journal Pages

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