Pablo divided (6 x 10^8) by (2 x 10^-4), and got a final answer of 3 x 10^-2. Explain what mistake Pablo made, and give the correct solution.
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Mistake Pablo Made:
Pablo incorrectly divided the coefficients (6 and 2) and subtracted the exponents of the powers of 10 when dividing.
Correct Solution:
(6 x 10^8) / (2 x 10^-4)
First, divide the coefficients:
6 / 2 = 3
Next, subtract the exponents of the powers of 10:
10^8 / 10^-4 = 10^(8 - (-4)) = 10^12
Therefore, the correct answer is:
3 x 10^12.