the u.s. national debt was $2.9617 x 10^13 in 2021 and $3.98 x 10^11 in 1971. find out how much debt increased in the 50- year period
To calculate the increase in debt over the 50-year period, subtract the debt in 1971 from the debt in 2021:
Increase = $2.9617 x 10^13 - $3.98 x 10^11
Now, we need to convert the debt values into the same form. Let's convert $2.9617 x 10^13 into the same format as $3.98 x 10^11:
$2.9617 x 10^13 = $29.617 x 10^12
Now, substitute the values:
Increase = $29.617 x 10^12 - $3.98 x 10^11
= $29.617 x 10^12 - $0.398 x 10^12
= $29.219 x 10^12
Therefore, the debt increased by $29.219 x 10^12 over the 50-year period.