To multiply add the exponents of the factors, for the new factor, and multiply the characteristics for a new characteristic. However, by following the above rule, it can be done. If the factors differ in sign, it is generally best to leave the addition or subtraction to be simply expressed. This gives a new expression whose characteristic is added to the other, and the factor of smaller exponent is preserved for both, Thus: (5 X 10^7) + (5 X10^9) = (5 X 10^7) + (5 X 100 X 10^7) = 505 X 10^7. The characteristic of the expression thus treated is multiplied by the odd factor. If the factors have different exponents of the same sign the factor or factors of larger exponent must be reduced to the smaller exponent, by factoring.

To subtract one such expression from another, subtract the characteristics and preserve the same factor. To add two or more expressions in this notation if the exponents of the factors are alike in all respects, add the characteristics and preserve the same factor. Regard must be paid to the decimal point as is done here. The compound numbers based on these are reduced by multiplication or division to simple expressions. The exponent, if negative, denotes the reciprocal of the indicated power of 10. The exponent, if positive, denotes an integral number, as shown in the preceding paragraph. Thus 10^2 indicates 100 10^3 indicates 1,000 and so on. The power of 10 is shown by an exponent which indicates the number of ciphers in the multiplier. The following are the general principles.

The number multiplied may be called the characteristic. It consists in using some power of 10 as a multiplier which may be called the factor. This adjunct to calculations has become almost indispensable in working with units of the C. The Standard Electrical Dictionary (0.00 / 0 votes) Rate this definition:

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