Question

The weight of an ant averages about 3 x 10^-6 kg. There are about 1 x 10^16 ants in the world. What is the approximate weight in kilograms of all the ants in the world? Write the answer in scientific notation

Answer 1

To find the approximate weight of all the ants in the world, we multiply the average weight of an ant by the total number of ants:

Weight of all ants = Average weight of an ant × Total number of ants

Weight of all ants = (3 × 10^-6 kg) × (1 × 10^16 ants)

Using the properties of exponents, we can simplify this multiplication:

Weight of all ants = 3 × 1 × 10^-6 kg × 10^16 ants

Weight of all ants = 3 × 10^(-6 + 16) kg

Weight of all ants = 3 × 10^10 kg

Therefore, the approximate weight of all the ants in the world is 3 x 10^10 kilograms.