Final answer:
The value of R, when x = 3.8 × 10⁴ and y = 5.9 × 10⁴, is calculated by squaring x and then dividing by y. After simplification, the result is 2.44 × 10 or 2440 in standard form, which is not one of the options provided in the question implying there might be an error.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to calculate the value of R given that R = x² / y, with x and y provided in scientific notation. We have x = 3.8 × 10⁴ and y = 5.9 × 10⁴. Plug in the values of x and y into the equation: R = (3.8 × 10⁴)² / (5.9 × 10⁴).
To find R, first square x which gives us (3.8 × 10⁴)² = 3.8² × (10⁴)² = 14.44 × 10⁴ × 10⁴ = 14.44 × 10⁴². Next, divide this by y which gives us 14.44 × 10⁴² / 5.9 × 10⁴ = 2.44 × 10 (since 10⁴² / 10⁴ = 10⁴ and 14.44 / 5.9 ≈ 2.44). So, the answer is 2.44 × 10 or 2440 in standard form.