What is indicated by the operation performed when multiplying powers of 10?

When multiplying powers of 10, the operation performed is adding the exponents. This is a fundamental principle in exponents that applies to any base, including 10.

For example, if you have (10^m) multiplied by (10^n), the operation can be simplified as follows:

[

10^m \times 10^n = 10^{m+n}

]

This shows that the exponents (m) and (n) are combined through addition to form a new exponent. This property holds true because you are essentially adding the number of times 10 is multiplied by itself.

This principle not only applies to powers of 10 but to all numbers. Understanding this concept is crucial for properly handling scientific notation and calculations involving exponential growth or decay, which are common in physics and engineering contexts, especially in fields related to the Navy Nuclear program.