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Copyright © Swun MathCopyright © Swun Math Grade 8 Unit 3 Lesson 4 P TE

Scientific Notation:

Add & Subtract

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

Problem of the Day

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

Vocabulary Teacher Resources

Adding & Subtracting in 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:

Look carefully at the problem first to see if the

exponents have the same power. The important

thing to remember about adding or subtracting

scientific notation is that the exponents MUST

BE THE SAME. If the exponents are not the

same, it is necessary to convert to the same

power. Practice converting decimals separately

as needed. Be sure to remind students to express

the answer in proper scientific notation.

Steps:

1. Convert exponents to the same power of
   10 (if needed).


2. Add or subtract the number (decimal).


3. Bring down the exponent on the ten.


4. Write in proper form.

Application of MPs:

MP2: What properties might we use to find a

solution?

A property that we might use to find a

solution can be the ____________________.

MP6: Pay attention to precision; why is this an

important concept for this lesson?

It is important to pay attention to precision

since I am _________________________.

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MPs

Applied MP

* Embedded MP

Student Journal Pages

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