Question

Express in scientific notation. Choose the answer with the proper number of significant figures: 1.24 x 10^6/6.2 x 10^-3

Answer 1

The expression
`1.24 x 10^6 / 6.2 x 10^-^3` is calculated by dividing the coefficients and subtracting the exponents, then adjusting the result to proper scientific notation. The correct expression in scientific notation with the proper number of significant figures is
`2.0 x 10^8`.

Step-by-step explanation:

To express in scientific notation and choose the answer with the proper number of significant figures, the given operation
`1.24 x 10^6 / 6.2 x 10^-^3`must be performed. When dividing numbers in scientific notation, you divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents.

Here's the calculation:

`\((1.24 / 6.2) * 10^((6 - (-3)))\)`

`\(= 0.2 * 10^9\)`

Now, we should adjust the coefficient to fall between 1 and 10 to adhere to the conventions of scientific notation:

`\(= 2 * 10^(8)\)`

The answer will have the same number of significant figures as the least precise number used in the calculation. Both 1.24 and 6.2 have two significant figures, so the final answer must also have two significant figures.

Therefore, the expression in scientific notation with the correct number of significant figures is
`\(2.0 * 10^8\)`.