As we said above, the exponent refers to the number of zeros that follow the 1. This allows us to express other small numbers this way. This method of expression makes it easier to type in scientific notation. Sometimes the advantage of scientific notation is not immediately obvious. The number 378,400 is also small enough to be readable.
Scientific Notation makes adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers much simpler.
Look at Column 6. This makes the graph much easier to read. The key to adding or subtracting numbers in Scientific Notation is to make sure the exponents are the same. We can check this by converting the numbers first to the more familiar form. The problem needs to be rewritten so that the exponents are the same.