Question

Show your work.

(1.7x10^-4)(5x10^-5)

A. 8.5x10^-9

B. 8.5x10^20

C. 6.7x10^-9

D. 6.7x10^20

Answer 1

To multiply two numbers written in scientific notation, you multiply their coefficients (the numbers in front of the 10) and add their exponents. So:

(1.7 x 10^-4) (5 x 10^-5)
= (1.7 x 5) (10^-4 x 10^-5)
= 8.5 x 10^-9

Therefore, the answer is A. 8.5x10^-9.