In government class, Nadia computed the amount of debt of the federal government after a third of it was paid in 1995. The calculator displayed the number 3.28E12. What is this number in scientific notation?
1. 3.28 +10^12
2. 3.28 x 10^-12
3. 3.28 x 10^12
4. 12 x 10^3.28
The number 3.28E12 in scientific notation is equivalent to option 3: 3.28 x 10^12.
To convert the number 3.28E12 into scientific notation, we need to understand what the "E" represents. In scientific notation, the "E" is used to represent multiplying by 10 to a certain power. For example, 10^2 means multiplying the number by 10, two times.
In this case, the number is 3.28E12, so we can interpret it as 3.28 multiplied by 10 to the power of 12.
Therefore, the correct scientific notation for 3.28E12 is 3.28 x 10^12.
So, the answer is option 3. 3.28 x 10^12.