Question

in 2005, the total waste generated in a certain country was 5.416 x 10^12 pounds. Also, in 2005, the country’s population was 2.91 x 10^8 people. determine the garbage per capita (per person) in that country in the year 2005. write your answer in scientific notation.

Answer 1

1.8611 x 10^4 lbs per capita

Explanation:

To calculate the per capita garbage we have to divide the amount of garbage by the number of people

garbage = 5.416 x 10^12 lbs

people = 2.91 x 10^8

5.416 x 10^12 / 2.91 x 10^8 =

To make it easier we can take the scientific notation of the first term to the same exponent the second

5.416 x 10^12 = 54,160 x 10^8

54,160 x 10^8 / 2.91 x 10^8 =

Now that we have multiplying the same in both parts of the division you can simplify both terms above and below

54,160/2.91 = 18,611

18,611 = 1.8611 x 10^4