What is (9 \(\times\) 10^{10}) - (4 \(\times\) 10^{10}) expressed in scientific notation?

• A. 4.5 \(\times\) 10^{10}
• B. 13 \(\times\) 10^{10}
• C. 5 \(\times\) 10^{10}
• D. 5 \(\times\) 10^{20}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two numbers given in scientific notation: \(9 \times 10^{10}\) and \(4 \times 10^{10}\).
2. Since both numbers have the same power of 10, subtract their coefficients directly: \(9 - 4\).
3. Perform the subtraction of the coefficients: \(9 - 4 = 5\).
4. Keep the power of 10 the same because it is common to both terms: \$10^{10}$.
5. Combine the result to express the answer in scientific notation: \(5 \times 10^{10}\).