The average tectonic plate moves at the rate 0.006 meters per year. How many meters would it move in 2×10^6 years? Write the answer in scientific notation, expressed to the exact decimal place

Answer 1

To find out how far a tectonic plate would move in \(2 \times 10^6\) years at a rate of \(0.006\) meters per year, you can use the formula:

\[ \text{Distance} = \text{Rate} \times \text{Time} \]

Substituting in the values:

\[ \text{Distance} = 0.006 , \text{meters/year} \times 2 \times 10^6 , \text{years} \]

Calculating this gives:

\[ \text{Distance} = 0.006 \times 2 \times 10^6 = 0.012 \times 10^6 \]

Now, converting \(0.012\) into scientific notation:

\[ 0.012 = 1.2 \times 10^{-2} \]

Therefore:

\[ 0.012 \times 10^6 = 1.2 \times 10^{-2} \times 10^6 = 1.2 \times 10^{4} \]

So, the final answer, expressed in scientific notation, is:

\[ \text{Distance} = 1.2 \times 10^{4} , \text{meters} \]