Final answer:
The total population of the two countries is calculated by adding the populations given in scientific notation; the result is 3.05 × 107 people, which is answer A.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total population of the two countries, we simply need to add their populations together. We have been given the populations in scientific notation, which is a method of expressing numbers that are too large or too small to be conveniently written in decimal form.
The population of the first country is 4.5 × 106 people, and the population of the neighboring country is 2.6 × 107 people. Adding them, we get:
4.5 × 106 + 2.6 × 107 = 0.45 × 107 + 2.6 × 107
Notice how we converted 4.5 × 106 to 0.45 × 107 to match the power of ten of the second number. Now, we can easily add the two numbers:
0.45 × 107 + 2.6 × 107 = (0.45 + 2.6) × 107
0.45 + 2.6 = 3.05
Therefore, the total population is 3.05 × 107 people. The correct answer is A: 3.05 × 107 people.