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This example demonstrates adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation.

The problem gives us:
- Venus' distance from Earth: \( 2.5 \times 10^7 \) km
- Mars' distance from Earth: \( 2.25 \times 10^8 \) km

The question asks for the average distance from Venus to Mars. This means we need to subtract the two values in scientific notation:

\[
2.25 \times 10^8 - 2.5 \times 10^7
\]

To do this, we need to express both numbers with the same power of 10. Since \( 2.25 \times 10^8 \) is already in the form \( 10^8 \), we rewrite \( 2.5 \times 10^7 \) as \( 0.25 \times 10^8 \):

\[
2.25 \times 10^8 - 0.25 \times 10^8 = (2.25 - 0.25) \times 10^8 = 2.00 \times 10^8
\]

Thus, the average distance from Venus to Mars is:

\[
2.00 \times 10^8 \, \text{km}
\]

Would you like more details on any part of the process? Here are some relative questions that could deepen your understanding:

1. What are the rules for adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation?
2. Why do we need to adjust powers of 10 before adding or subtracting?
3. How do you convert between different powers of 10 when working with scientific notation?
4. How is scientific notation helpful for representing large distances, such as those in astronomy?
5. What would the result look like if we had added the two distances instead?

**Tip**: When adding or subtracting numbers in scientific notation, always ensure that the exponents (powers of 10) are the same before performing the operation on the coefficients.

The planet Venus is on average 2.5 x 10^7 kilometers from Earth. The planet Mars is on average 2.25 x 10^8 kilometers from Earth. What is the average distance from Venus to Mars?

Learn how to calculate the average distance between Venus and Mars by subtracting values in scientific notation: 2.25 x 10^8 km and 2.5 x 10^7 km. Suitable for middle school students exploring scientific notation.

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