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To multiply numbers that are in written in scientific notation, such as 1.4 x 10 to the -2nd times 5.3 times 10 to the 6th, we first multiply the decimals, in this case 1.4 times 5.3, to get 7.42.  Next, we multiply the powers of 10, in this case 10 to the -2nd times 10 to the 6th.  Notice that we’re multiplying two powers that have like bases, so we add the exponents and leave the base the same, to get 10 to the -2 + 6, or 10 to the 4th.  So we have 7.42 times 10 to the 4th.  Finally, we’re asked to write our answer in scientific notation.  Notice, however, that 7.42 times 10 to the -4th is already written in scientific notation, because we have a decimal between 1 and 10 that is multiplied by a power of 10.  So we have our answer.

Multiplying Scientific Notation | MathHelp.com