Question

In a certain year, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck California. In another year, a magnitude 5.8 quake struck Kansas. How many times as intense as the Kansas quake was the California quake?

Answer 1

The California quake was 1.34 times as intense as the Kansas quake.

Explanation:

To find how many times as intense as Kansas (K) quake was the California (C) quake first, we need to find the ratio of intensity (I) between those earthquakes:

`(I_(C))/(I_(K)) = (7.8)/(5.8) = 1.34`

Now, by multiplying the above number for the intensity of the Kansas quake we should have the intensity of the California quake:

`I_(K) = 1.34*5.8 = 7.8`

Therefore, the California quake was 1.34 times as intense as the Kansas quake.

I hope it helps you!