Question

Find two examples of very small numbers in the media. Write each number in a place-value chart. Explain how you use the patterns in the chart to read these numbers.

Answer 1

Very small numbers can be found in the media in contexts such as population sizes or scientific measurements. Two examples given are the population of Sumatran rhinos (under 100) and the size of microplastics in the ocean (0.001 meters or less). These numbers can be represented and understood more easily using place-value charts and scientific notation.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of a very small number in the media could be the population of a rare species, such as the Sumatran rhino, estimated at under 100. In a place-value chart, this number could be represented as:

• Position: 100 | 10 | 1
• Number: 0 | 1 | 0

The pattern in this chart shows us that this number is less than 100 but greater than or equal to 10.

Another example could be the measurement of a tiny microorganism, like the microplastics in the ocean, which are often less than 1 millimeter (0.039 inches) in size. To put this in scientific notation, we represent 1 millimeter as 1 x 10-3 meters, making it easier to handle and analyze. In a place-value chart, the number might look like: