The U.S. national debt was $2.9617×10^13 in 2021 and $3.98×10^11 in 1971. Find how much the debt increased in the 50-year period.
To find out how much the debt increased in the 50-year period, we subtract the debt in 1971 from the debt in 2021.
Debt increase = $2.9617×10^13 - $3.98×10^11
Debt increase = ($2.9617 - $0.398) × 10^13
Debt increase = $2.5637 × 10^13
Therefore, the debt increased by $2.5637 × 10^13 in the 50-year period.