When multiplying and dividing two numbers in scientific notation, why do u sometimes have to rewrite one factor?

You sometimes need to rewrite a factor because the lead number is not between 1 and 10 as it needs to be in scientific notation. For instance, if we had lead numbers of 2 and 5, as we do in the following problem.

2x10^3 * 5x10^9

Then we get the answer of 10x10^12. We need to adjust this by moving the decimal place and increasing the exponent by 1. The correct answer would be 1x10^13 instead.

Answer:You have to rewrite it just in case the lead number isn't a 1 or a 10