To find the time it will take for the asteroid to hit Mars, we need to divide the total distance by the rate at which it is traveling:
Time = Distance / Rate
Time = (3.311 x 10^8 miles) / (7.7 x 10^4 mi./hr)
To divide the distances, we subtract the exponents:
Time = (3.311 / 7.7) x (10^8 / 10^4)
Time = 0.42961 x 10^8
To write this in scientific notation with the decimal point after the first digit, we move the decimal point one place to the left:
Time = 4.2961 x 10^7
Therefore, it will take approximately 4.2961 x 10^7 hours for the asteroid to hit Mars.
An asteroid is heading toward Mars at the rate of 7.7 x 10^4 mi./hr. If the asteroid is 3.311 x 10^8 miles away from Mars, how many hours will it be before it hits Mars? Write the answer in scientific notation, expressed to the exact decimal place.
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