Estimating the Product of Two Numbers in Scientific Notation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 16 views

Understanding Scientific Notation

Scientific notation is a way of expressing very large or very small numbers in a more manageable form. It consists of a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. For example, the number 456,000 can be expressed in scientific notation as 4.56 × 10^5.

Estimating the Product of Two Numbers in Scientific Notation

When multiplying two numbers in scientific notation, we multiply the coefficients (the numbers in front of the powers of 10) and add the exponents of the powers of 10. This is based on the rule that a × b × 10^c × 10^d = a × b × 10^(c + d).

Applying the Rule to the Given Problem

The given problem is to estimate the product of two numbers in scientific notation: (891 × 10^2) (3.3 × 10^12). To solve this problem, we will multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of the powers of 10.

Step 1: Multiply the Coefficients

The coefficients are 891 and 3.3. Multiplying these numbers gives us:

891 × 3.3 = 2942.3

Step 2: Add the Exponents of the Powers of 10

The exponents of the powers of 10 are 2 and 12. Adding these numbers gives us:

2 + 12 = 14

Step 3: Write the Product in Scientific Notation

Now that we have multiplied the coefficients and added the exponents of the powers of 10, we can write the product in scientific notation. The product is:

2942.3 × 10^14

Rounding the Product to the Nearest Power of 10

Since the product is 2942.3 × 10^14, we can round this number to the nearest power of 10. The nearest power of 10 is 10^15.

Conclusion

The product of the two numbers in scientific notation is 2.942 × 10^15. Therefore, the best answer for the product's power of 10 is 15.

Answer

The correct answer is C. 15.

Discussion

This problem requires the application of the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation. The rule states that a × b × 10^c × 10^d = a × b × 10^(c + d). By applying this rule, we can multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of the powers of 10 to find the product in scientific notation.

Example Questions

Estimate the product of the following two numbers in scientific notation: (456 × 10^3) (2.1 × 10^8).
Multiply the following two numbers in scientific notation: (3.4 × 10^2) (9.5 × 10^4).
Estimate the product of the following two numbers in scientific notation: (987 × 10^5) (4.2 × 10^9).

Solutions

The product is 9.62 × 10^11.
The product is 3.23 × 10^7.
The product is 4.14 × 10^15.

Conclusion

Q: What is scientific notation?

A: Scientific notation is a way of expressing very large or very small numbers in a more manageable form. It consists of a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10.

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

A: To multiply two numbers in scientific notation, you multiply the coefficients (the numbers in front of the powers of 10) and add the exponents of the powers of 10.

Q: What is the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation?

A: The rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation is:

a × b × 10^c × 10^d = a × b × 10^(c + d)

Q: How do I apply the rule to a problem?

A: To apply the rule, you multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of the powers of 10. For example, if you have the problem (456 × 10^3) (2.1 × 10^8), you would multiply the coefficients (456 and 2.1) and add the exponents of the powers of 10 (3 and 8).

Q: What is the product of (456 × 10^3) (2.1 × 10^8)?

A: The product is 9.62 × 10^11.

Q: How do I round the product to the nearest power of 10?

A: To round the product to the nearest power of 10, you look at the exponent of the power of 10. If the exponent is a whole number, you can round the product to that power of 10. If the exponent is not a whole number, you can round the product to the nearest power of 10.

Q: What is the product of (987 × 10^5) (4.2 × 10^9)?

A: The product is 4.14 × 10^15.

Q: How do I estimate the product of two numbers in scientific notation?

A: To estimate the product of two numbers in scientific notation, you can multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of the powers of 10. This will give you an estimate of the product.

Q: What is the product of (3.4 × 10^2) (9.5 × 10^4)?

A: The product is 3.23 × 10^7.

Q: Can I use a calculator to estimate the product of two numbers in scientific notation?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to estimate the product of two numbers in scientific notation. However, it's also important to understand the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation so that you can apply it to problems.

Q: Why is it important to understand the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation?

A: Understanding the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation is important because it allows you to estimate the product of two numbers in scientific notation. This is useful in a variety of situations, such as when working with large or small numbers.

Q: Can I use the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation to divide numbers in scientific notation?

A: No, the rule for multiplying numbers in scientific notation is only used to multiply numbers in scientific notation. To divide numbers in scientific notation, you need to use a different rule.

Q: What is the rule for dividing numbers in scientific notation?

A: The rule for dividing numbers in scientific notation is:

a ÷ b × 10^c ÷ 10^d = a ÷ b × 10^(c - d)

Q: How do I apply the rule to a problem?

A: To apply the rule, you divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents of the powers of 10. For example, if you have the problem (456 × 10^3) ÷ (2.1 × 10^8), you would divide the coefficients (456 and 2.1) and subtract the exponents of the powers of 10 (3 and 8).

Q: What is the quotient of (456 × 10^3) ÷ (2.1 × 10^8)?

A: The quotient is 2.17 × 10^-5.