Step-by-Step Math Operations Guide for Scientific Notation (Power of 10) Numbers

Most students struggle to perform mathematical operations in scientific notation for the first time, a second time, a third time, etc. because there are so many rules to follow! The addition/subtraction rules are different than the multiplication/division rules when it comes to determining what happens to the exponents. The rules for honoring significant figures are different for the two sets of mathematical operations as well.

This is a user-friendly, two-sided (full page) step-by-step guide will help your students answer these problems accurately and precisely. I scripted this guide to help students perform all four of the main mathematical operations in scientific notation (power of 10). It targets students in math class, physical science, or chemistry that need to perform mathematical operations of numbers in scientific notation.

This is a reference document, not a worksheet. The front side of the document lists the four recommended steps at the top for adding/subtracting to obtain an answer with the correct number of significant figures. The bottom of the page illustrates a sample addition problem and a sample subtraction problem, each broken down into four correlating steps listed at the top of the page. The back side of the document lists the four recommended steps at the top for multiplying/dividing to obtain an answer with the correct number of significant figures. The bottom of the page illustrates a sample multiplication problem and a sample division problem, each broken down into four correlating steps listed at the top of the page.

This PDF file will become editable upon conversion to Microsoft Word using an Adobe Acrobat Reader app.