Converting to the Same Power of 10

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 142 views

Approximate how many times bigger is $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ than $$4.5 \times 10^2$$?

Understanding the Problem

To find out how many times bigger one number is than another, we need to divide the larger number by the smaller number. In this case, we are comparing $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ and $$4.5 \times 10^2$$. To make the comparison easier, we can convert both numbers to the same power of 10.

Converting to the Same Power of 10

We can rewrite $$4.5 \times 10^2$$ as $$4.5 \times 10^2 \times 10^{-3}$$, which is equal to $$4.5 \times 10^{-1}$$. This is because when we multiply a number by $$10^a$$, we are essentially moving the decimal point $$a$$ places to the right. In this case, we are moving the decimal point 3 places to the right, so we need to multiply by $$10^{-3}$$ to get the same power of 10 as $$6.9 \times 10^5$$.

Performing the Division

Now that we have both numbers in the same power of 10, we can perform the division:

\frac{6.9 \times 10^5}{4.5 \times 10^{-1}}

To divide by a number in scientific notation, we can divide the coefficients (the numbers in front of the powers of 10) and subtract the exponents. In this case, we get:

\frac{6.9}{4.5} \times 10^{5-(-1)}

\frac{6.9}{4.5} \times 10^6

Calculating the Result

Now we can calculate the result of the division:

\frac{6.9}{4.5} \approx 1.5333

So the result of the division is approximately 1.5.

Rounding to the Nearest Tenth

Since we are asked to round to the nearest tenth, we can round 1.5333 to 1.5.

Conclusion

Therefore, $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ is approximately 1.5 times bigger than $$4.5 \times 10^2$$.

Additional Information

It's worth noting that when we are comparing numbers in scientific notation, it's often easier to convert them to the same power of 10 before performing the comparison. This can make the comparison much simpler and easier to understand.

Real-World Applications

This type of problem can arise in a variety of real-world situations, such as comparing the sizes of different objects or the amounts of different substances. For example, if we are comparing the sizes of two different buildings, we might need to convert their heights to the same power of 10 before comparing them.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake when performing this type of problem is to forget to convert the numbers to the same power of 10 before performing the comparison. This can lead to incorrect results and confusion.

Tips and Tricks

To avoid this mistake, it's a good idea to always convert the numbers to the same power of 10 before performing the comparison. This can make the comparison much simpler and easier to understand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ is approximately 1.5 times bigger than $$4.5 \times 10^2$$. This type of problem can arise in a variety of real-world situations, and it's often easier to convert the numbers to the same power of 10 before performing the comparison.
Q&A: Approximating the Difference between Two Numbers in Scientific Notation

Q: What is the difference between two numbers in scientific notation?

A: The difference between two numbers in scientific notation is the result of subtracting one number from the other. For example, if we have two numbers in scientific notation, $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ and $$4.5 \times 10^2$$, we can find the difference by subtracting the smaller number from the larger number.

Q: How do I subtract two numbers in scientific notation?

A: To subtract two numbers in scientific notation, we need to subtract the coefficients (the numbers in front of the powers of 10) and subtract the exponents. In the case of $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ and $$4.5 \times 10^2$$, we can subtract the coefficients and subtract the exponents as follows:

\frac{6.9 \times 10^5}{4.5 \times 10^2}

\frac{6.9}{4.5} \times 10^{5-2}

\frac{6.9}{4.5} \times 10^3

Q: What is the result of subtracting two numbers in scientific notation?

A: The result of subtracting two numbers in scientific notation is a new number in scientific notation. In the case of $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ and $$4.5 \times 10^2$$, the result of subtracting the smaller number from the larger number is:

\frac{6.9}{4.5} \times 10^3

1.5333 \times 10^3

Q: How do I round the result of subtracting two numbers in scientific notation?

A: To round the result of subtracting two numbers in scientific notation, we need to round the coefficient (the number in front of the power of 10) to the nearest tenth. In the case of $$1.5333 \times 10^3$$, we can round the coefficient to 1.5.

Q: What is the final result of subtracting two numbers in scientific notation?

A: The final result of subtracting two numbers in scientific notation is:

1.5 \times 10^3

Q: Can I use this method to subtract any two numbers in scientific notation?

A: Yes, you can use this method to subtract any two numbers in scientific notation. However, you need to make sure that the numbers are in the same power of 10 before performing the subtraction.

Q: What if the numbers are not in the same power of 10?

A: If the numbers are not in the same power of 10, you need to convert them to the same power of 10 before performing the subtraction. This can be done by multiplying or dividing the numbers by a power of 10.

Q: How do I convert two numbers in scientific notation to the same power of 10?

A: To convert two numbers in scientific notation to the same power of 10, you need to multiply or divide the numbers by a power of 10. For example, if you have two numbers in scientific notation, $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ and $$4.5 \times 10^2$$, you can convert them to the same power of 10 by multiplying the smaller number by $$10^3$$.

Q: What is the result of converting two numbers in scientific notation to the same power of 10?

A: The result of converting two numbers in scientific notation to the same power of 10 is a new number in scientific notation. In the case of $$6.9 \times 10^5$$ and $$4.5 \times 10^2$$, the result of converting them to the same power of 10 is:

6.9 \times 10^5

4.5 \times 10^5

Q: Can I use this method to convert any two numbers in scientific notation to the same power of 10?

A: Yes, you can use this method to convert any two numbers in scientific notation to the same power of 10. However, you need to make sure that the numbers are in the same power of 10 before performing the conversion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subtracting two numbers in scientific notation involves subtracting the coefficients and subtracting the exponents. To round the result, we need to round the coefficient to the nearest tenth. We can use this method to subtract any two numbers in scientific notation, but we need to make sure that the numbers are in the same power of 10 before performing the subtraction.