Final answer:
To estimate the product of 3.1 x 10^4 and 4.85 x 10^-2, multiply the significant figures to get 15.035 and then combine the exponents to get 10^2, resulting in an estimated product of 1.5 x 10^3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the best estimate for the product of 3.1 x 104 and 4.85 x 10-2. To estimate this product, you can multiply the significant figures (3.1 and 4.85) and then apply the power of 10 by adding the exponents (4 and -2). The significant figures, when multiplied, give you approximately 15.035. The powers of 10, when combined (104 x 10-2), simplify to 102. Therefore, the estimated product is 15.035 x 102, which can be further approximated to 1.5 x 103 if we limit ourselves to two significant figures.