Final answer:
To subtract numbers in scientific notation, make sure the exponents are the same and then subtract the numbers in front.
Step-by-step explanation:
To subtract two numbers in scientific notation, we need to ensure that the exponents are the same. In this case, we have (5.3 x 10^3) - (8 x 10^2). We can rewrite 8 as 8 x 10^2 to have the same exponent. Now, we can subtract the numbers in front: 5.3 - 8 = -2.7. The exponent remains the same: 10^3. Therefore, the answer is -2.7 x 10^3 in scientific notation.
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