Adding scientific notation question =)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves adding three quantities expressed in scientific notation: (9.8x10^3s), (9.9x10^4s), and (0.017x10^6s). Participants are discussing the implications of significant figures in the context of this addition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to add the values in scientific notation and are questioning the significance of their results, particularly regarding significant figures. Some have expressed frustration with the feedback from a web-based homework platform.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to the problem, with multiple participants noting the importance of significant figures. Some guidance has been provided regarding the potential issue with the number of significant figures in the answers submitted.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the rules of significant figures in their calculations, which may be affecting the acceptance of their answers by the homework platform. There is a sense of uncertainty about what the platform requires for a correct submission.

dolpho
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Add (9.8x10^3s)+(9.9x10^4s)+(0.017x10^6s)

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I have entered 125800, as well as 1.26x10^5 but the website marked both of those wrong. I've done this problem every way you could do it I think and it comes out to the same answer but the program won't accept it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I presume this has to do with significant digits a.k.a significant figures.

(9.8x103s) + (9.9x104s) + (0.017x106s) = (0.98x104s) + (9.9x104s) + (1.7x104s)
 
SammyS said:
I presume this has to do with significant digits a.k.a significant figures.

(9.8x103s) + (9.9x104s) + (0.017x106s) = (0.98x104s) + (9.9x104s) + (1.7x104s)

So I worked out your problem also and it gave me 125800 and it just says add, but I'm guessing it doesn't want the answer but what you gave instead. Ugh I hate mastering physics... :(
 
dolpho said:
Add (9.8x10^3s)+(9.9x10^4s)+(0.017x10^6s)

I have entered 125800, as well as 1.26x10^5

You were already pointed to significant figures. Both numbers you have tried have too many.
 

Similar threads

Electron velocity in Electric Fields
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
13K
Some questions about math education -- my time limit for solving a problem
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why Doesn't My Impulse-Change in Momentum Lab Show a Linear Relationship?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
Significant Figures and other basics in a Chemistry for Engineers class
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Considering transfering to computer science from comp eng
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Bumpy Road Thus far; Am I Too Far Gone?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Few questions about function domains and properties
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Selective precipitation, purity and yield of precipitate
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
What are my chances to be accepted in a PhD Physics program?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
12K
Modern Digital Audio: Understanding Dither and Oversampling in Hi-Res Age
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K