How to subract exponential numbers

[EllenB]

HI -
if I try to subtract , eg 5E05 from 6.02E23 I get as the result 6.02E23.
Also 5^05 from 6.02^23 I get as the result 6.02^23. Have no trouble with
siple numbers, eg. 6-5 gives 1.

Thanks, Ellen

 

[Rob Bovey]

HI -
if I try to subtract , eg 5E05 from 6.02E23 I get as the result 6.02E23.
Also 5^05 from 6.02^23 I get as the result 6.02^23. Have no trouble with
siple numbers, eg. 6-5 gives 1.

Hi Ellen,

Are you sure you're clear on what exponential notation means?

5E05 = 500,000
6.02E23 = 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Subtracting the first number from the second number is like taking a handful
of sand off a beach. It's such a tiny amount in comparison that you can't
tell the difference unless you look much more closely than Excel is capable
of.

--
Rob Bovey, MCSE, MCSD, Excel MVP
Application Professionals
http://www.appspro.com/

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