Answer:
742 is 7.42x10^2
0.053 inches is 5.3x10-2 inches
Explanation:
The goal is to convert he number into a format that has one digit to the left of the decimal point. When moving the decimal point more to the left, each step reduces the number by a factor of 10/
742
74.2 is the original number reduced by 10. To keep the number valid, we need to multiply by 10, which can be written as 74.2 x 10.
7.42 is reduced by another factor of 10: 7.42 x10x10 This is the same as 7.42x10^2
742 is 7.42x10^2
0.053
0.53 is the original number multiplied by 10. To keep the number valid, we need to divide by 10, which can be written as 0.53x10^-1
5.3 is the original number divided by another factor of 10. This can be written as 5.3x10^-2
0.053 inches is 5.3x10-2 inches