Question

In 2010, the continent of South America had a population of 395,280,204 . Which of the following is the closest estimate of this number?

a. 3×10⁸
b. 4×10⁷
c. 4×10⁸
d. 4×10⁹

Answer 1

The closest estimate of the population of South America in 2010 is c. 4×10⁸, as it equals 400,000,000, which is very close to the actual population of 395,280,204.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking for the closest estimate of the population of South America in 2010, which was 395,280,204. To find the closest estimate, we should look for the option that represents the number in scientific notation and is closest to the actual population figure.

The correct answer is c. 4×10⁸. This is because 4×10⁸ (4 times 10 to the power of 8) equals 400,000,000, which is very close to the actual population number given.

• Option a, 3×10⁸, represents 300,000,000, which is too low.
• Option b, 4×10⁷, represents 40,000,000, which is far too low.
• Option d, 4×10⁹, represents 4,000,000,000, which is far too high.