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Understanding Scientific Notation for HiSET Math

May 22, 2025

Solve Problems Using Scientific Notation - HiSET: Math

Overview

  • This guide provides resources and examples for solving mathematical problems using scientific notation, particularly for the HiSET Math section.

Concept Explanation

  • Scientific Notation: A way of expressing numbers that are too large or too small to be conveniently written in decimal form. It is typically in the form (a \times 10^N), where (1 \leq a < 10) and (N) is an integer.

Sample Questions and Solutions

Example Question 1: Addition Using Scientific Notation

  • Problem: Simplify ((1.26 \times 10^6) + (2.4 \times 10^4)).

  • Steps to Solve:

    • Convert each term to the same power of ten.
    • Add the coefficients.
    • Convert back to scientific notation if necessary.
  • Solution:

    • Convert (2.4 \times 10^4) to (0.024 \times 10^6).
    • Add: (1.26 + 0.024 = 1.284).
    • Final answer: (1.284 \times 10^6).

Example Question 2: Multiplication Using Scientific Notation

  • Problem: Multiply (7,200,000 \times 5,000,000) and express in scientific notation.

  • Steps to Solve:

    • Convert each number to scientific notation.
    • Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents.
    • Adjust to ensure the coefficient is between 1 and 10.
  • Solution:

    • Convert: (7,200,000 = 7.2 \times 10^6) and (5,000,000 = 5 \times 10^6).
    • Multiply: ((7.2 \times 5) = 36) and ((10^6 \times 10^6) = 10^{12}).
    • Adjust: (36 = 3.6 \times 10^1).
    • Final answer: (3.6 \times 10^{13}).

Example Question 3: More Multiplication Practice

  • Problem: Multiply (5,000,000 \times 120,000,000).

  • Solution:

    • Convert: (5,000,000 = 5 \times 10^6) and (120,000,000 = 1.2 \times 10^8).
    • Multiply coefficients and add exponents: ((5 \times 1.2) = 6) and (10^6 \times 10^8 = 10^{14}).
    • Final answer: (6 \times 10^{14}).

Additional Resources

  • Practice Tests
  • Question of the Day
  • Flashcards

Tutors and Help

  • Access to tutors specialized in HiSET math to assist in mastering scientific notation and other mathematical concepts.

This guide is intended to facilitate the understanding and solving of scientific notation problems as encountered in HiSET Math exams. For further practice and detailed solutions, resources and tutoring are available through the Varsity Tutors platform.