The use of electricity in the US in 1902 was 6.03 x 10^9 kilowatt-hours.
The use of electricity in the US in 1950 was 4.3 x 10^11 kilowatt-hours.
How many times more was the electricity used in 1950 than 1902? Express your answer in Scientific Notation.
(2 points)
To find the ratio of the electricity used in 1950 to 1902, we divide the electricity used in 1950 by the electricity used in 1902:
Ratio = (4.3 x 10^11 kilowatt-hours) / (6.03 x 10^9 kilowatt-hours)
To divide the numbers, we subtract the exponents:
Ratio = (4.3 / 6.03) x (10^11 / 10^9)
Simplifying the division:
Ratio = 0.712828 x (10^(11-9))
The exponent of 10 remains the same because we are just dividing by a factor of 10.
Ratio = 0.712828 x 10^2
Expressing the ratio in scientific notation:
Ratio = 7.12828 x 10^1
Therefore, the electricity used in 1950 was approximately 7.12828 times greater than in 1902.
Subtract coefficients and divide powers: 1.73×102
Subtract coefficients and divide powers: 1.73×102
Divide coefficients and subtract powers: 7.13×101
Divide coefficients and subtract powers: 7.13×101
Add coefficients and add powers: 10.33×1020
Add coefficients and add powers: 10.33×1020
Multiply coefficients and add powers: 2.6×1021
Multiply coefficients and add powers: 2.6×1021
Divide coefficients and subtract powers: 1.4 x 102