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The length of the smallest algae is 0.00004 inches and the length of one of the largest algae is 200 feet. If 1 foot=12 inches, find the ratio of largest to smallest algae and express this ration in scientific notation.

Please help. Very confused.

1 Answer

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Answer:

6 x 10^7.

Explanation:

If you want to compare the biggest and the tiniest algae, you have to do some math. Don't worry, it's not hard. Just follow these steps:

  • - First, change the big algae's length from feet to inches. You know that one foot is 12 inches, right? So just multiply 200 feet by 12 inches and you get 2400 inches. Easy peasy.
  • - Second, divide the big algae's length by the small algae's length. The small algae is super tiny, only 0.00004 inches long. So just divide 2400 inches by 0.00004 inches and you get 60000000. That's a lot of zeros!
  • - Third, write this huge number in a simpler way using scientific notation. That means you move the decimal point until there is only one number before it, and then you write how many places you moved it as a power of 10. If you move it to the left, the power is positive; if you move it to the right, the power is negative. Here, you move it seven places to the left, so the power is positive 7: 60000000 = 6 x 10⁷.

And that's it! The ratio of the big algae to the small algae in scientific notation is 6 x 10⁷. Isn't math fun?

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