Answer:
To find the best estimate for the sum (1.7 x 10^13) + (0.8 x 10^2), we can simplify the terms and perform the addition:
(1.7 x 10^13) + (0.8 x 10^2) = 1.7 x 10^13 + 0.8 x 10^2
To add these two numbers, we need to align the powers of 10:
1.7 x 10^13 + 0.8 x 10^2 = 1.7 x 10^13 + 0.8 x 10^13 x 10^(-11)
Now we have the same exponent for both terms:
1.7 x 10^13 + 0.8 x 10^13 x 10^(-11) = (1.7 + 0.8 x 10^(-11)) x 10^13
The term 0.8 x 10^(-11) is very small compared to 1.7, so we can neglect it for the purpose of estimation. Therefore, the best estimate for the sum is:
(1.7 + 0.8 x 10^(-11)) x 10^13 ≈ 1.7 x 10^13
Thus, the best estimate for the sum (1.7 x 10^13) + (0.8 x 10^2) is option b. 1.7 x 10^13.
Step-by-step explanation: