Question

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.


$1.0183×10^24

$2.9219×10^11

$3.0015×10^13

$2.9219×10^13

Answer 1

To find how much the debt increased over the 50-year period, we subtract the debt in 1971 from the debt in 2021:

$2.9617×10^13 - $3.98×10^11

= $2.9617×10^13 - $3.98×10^11

= $2.9617×10^13 - $0.398×10^13

= $2.5637×10^13

Therefore, the debt increased by $2.5637×10^13 or $2.9219×10^13 in scientific notation.

The closest answer option is $2.9219×10^13.