Addition of exponents disconnect

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the addition of exponents and the proper notation in scientific notation, specifically examining the expression (35.709 + 5.789)(10^4 + 10^4) as presented in a standardized test preparation context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the accuracy of the example provided in the test preparation material, questioning the notation used and the simplification steps. Some suggest that the notation could be misleading or incorrect, while others clarify the proper handling of terms with common factors.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the notation and simplification process. Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the steps shown in the example, while others have expressed confusion regarding the notation itself. The discussion remains open with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the example is taken from a specific test preparation manual, which may influence the clarity and correctness of the presented mathematical expressions.

dymand68
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Homework Statement


(35.709 + 5.789)(10^4 + 10^4)
=41.498 * 10^4



Homework Equations


this is an an example given in my TEAS (standardized skills test) work book/study guide...is it accurate? i don't know why (10^4 + 10^4) = 10^4 after the simplification



The Attempt at a Solution


 
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dymand68 said:

Homework Statement


(35.709 + 5.789)(10^4 + 10^4)
=41.498 * 10^4



Homework Equations


this is an an example given in my TEAS (standardized skills test) work book/study guide...is it accurate? i don't know why (10^4 + 10^4) = 10^4 after the simplification



The Attempt at a Solution


That is not standard scientific (exponential) notation. Are you sure it wasn't written like this?

(35.709*10^4 + 5.789*10^4)

That would be more standard. Written as you show it, it is indeed wrong, or at least confusing.
 
the total given example:
(3.5709*10^5)+(5.789*10^4)
=(35.709*10^4)+(5.789*10^4)
=(35.709 + 5.789)(10^4 + 10^4)
=41.498 * 10^4
=4.1498*10^5
 
dymand68 said:
the total given example:
(3.5709*10^5)+(5.789*10^4)
=(35.709*10^4)+(5.789*10^4)
=(35.709 + 5.789)(10^4 + 10^4)
=41.498 * 10^4
=4.1498*10^5

Weird. I've certainly never seen that notation, and IMO it shouldn't be used. If the 3rd line were:

=(35.709 + 5.789)(10^4)

then I would be okay with that. But not the way they wrote it.
 
dymand68 said:
the total given example:
(3.5709*10^5)+(5.789*10^4)
=(35.709*10^4)+(5.789*10^4)
The step below is wrong. Both terms above have a factor of 10^4, so the next line should be = (35.709 + 5.789) * 10^4.

It should be noted that 10^4 + 10^4 = 2*10^4, and this should further convince you that the next line is wrong.
dymand68 said:
=(35.709 + 5.789)(10^4 + 10^4)
=41.498 * 10^4
=4.1498*10^5

Whoever worked the example got the correct answer, but two steps along the way are incorrect.
 
thank you, fwiw-the source is
ATI, Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC
Test of Essential Academic Skills Pre-Test Study Manual, edition 3.0
 

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