The U.S national dept was $2.9617x10-^13 in 2021 and $3.98x10^11 in 1971. Find how much debt increased in the 50 year period
To find the increase in debt over the 50-year period, we need to calculate the difference between the debt in 2021 and the debt in 1971.
Debt in 2021 = $2.9617x10^-13
Debt in 1971 = $3.98x10^11
To compare the values, we need to make sure they have the same exponent. Let's convert the debt in 2021 to scientific notation:
Debt in 2021 = $0.29617x10^(-12)
Now we can calculate the increase in debt:
Increase in debt = Debt in 2021 - Debt in 1971
Increase in debt = ($0.29617x10^(-12)) - ($3.98x10^11)
To subtract these values, we need to make sure they have the same exponent. Let's convert the debt in 1971 to scientific notation:
Debt in 1971 = $0.398x10^12
Increase in debt = ($0.29617x10^(-12)) - ($0.398x10^12)
Now we can subtract the two values:
Increase in debt = $0.29617x10^(-12) - $0.398x10^12
Increase in debt = ($0.29617 - $0.398)x10^(-12 + 12)
Increase in debt = ($-0.10183)x10^0
Increase in debt = -$0.10183
Therefore, the debt decreased by $0.10183 (in whatever currency the original values were given) over the 50-year period.