Question

The US national debt was $2.9617 x 10 ^ 13 in 2021 and $3. 98 x 10 ^11 in 1971. Find how much the debt increased in the 50-year period.
A $1.0183 * 10 ^ 24
B $ 3.0015 * 10 ^ 13
C. $2.9219 * 10 ^ 13
D. $2.9219 * 10 ^ 11

Answer 1

To find the increase in the debt over the 50-year period, we need to subtract the debt in 1971 from the debt in 2021.

Debt increase = Debt in 2021 - Debt in 1971
Debt increase = $2.9617 x 10^13 - $3.98 x 10^11

First, let's convert both values to scientific notation with the same exponent:

$3.98 x 10^11 = $0.398 x 10^13

Now subtract:

Debt increase = $2.9617 x 10^13 - $0.398 x 10^13
Debt increase = ($2.9617 - $0.398) x 10^13
Debt increase = $2.5637 x 10^13

Therefore, the debt increased by $2.5637 x 10^13 in the 50-year period.

The answer is not listed among the options provided.