Question

In the expression (1 x 10^6) x (7.9 x 10^3), what should the exponent on the 10 be?

a) 6
b) 9
c) 3
d) 10

Answer 1

When multiplying (1 x 10^6) by (7.9 x 10^3), you add the exponents resulting in an exponent of 9, making the answer 7.9 x 10^9 in scientific notation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression given is (1 x 10^6) x (7.9 x 10^3). When multiplying numbers in scientific notation, you multiply the coefficients (1 and 7.9) and then add the exponents of 10. Here's how it's done step-by-step:

1. Multiply the coefficients: 1 x 7.9 = 7.9.
2. Add the exponents: 6 + 3 = 9.
3. Combine the result to express in scientific notation: 7.9 x 10^9.

Therefore, the exponent on the 10 after performing the multiplication will be 9.