Question

Using scientific notation, what is the solution to (4.5 * 108) / (1.5 * 105)?

Answer 1

Answer: 3.09 *10^0




Explanation: First we want to work out the operations and then set our answer in scientific notation.

We star with the multiplication in the parentheses because of the order of operations and then divide.

Thus, we have 486/157.5.

The answer is 3.085714286.

The general form of scientific notation is c*10^e, where c is a number from 1 to 10.

Since the answer is between 1 and 10 already, we did not need to move a decimal and e in the general formula represents how many times you moved the decimal.

Also, I simply rounded the answer to the hundredths place, which is acceptable to most teachers.