Question

add the following data. (7.3 × 10⁵ cm) + ( 3.700 × 10⁵ cm) = report answer in scientific notation with correct significant digits and unit.

Explanation:

Step1: Add the coefficients

Since both terms have the same power of 10 ($10^{5}$), we add the coefficients: $7.3 + 3.700 = 11.0$

Step2: Multiply by the power of 10

Now, multiply the sum of the coefficients by $10^{5}$: $11.0\times10^{5}$

Step3: Convert to proper scientific notation

We need to have one non - zero digit before the decimal point. So, $11.0\times10^{5}=1.10\times 10^{6}$ (because when we move the decimal point one place to the left in 11.0, we increase the exponent of 10 by 1)

Answer:

$1.10\times 10^{6}\text{ cm}$