To simplify the expression \(\frac{2.7 \times 10^5}{3.2 \times 10^7}\), follow the steps in order:
Step 1: Divide the coefficients. \[ \frac{2.7}{3.2} \approx 0.84375 \]
Step 2: Subtract the exponents. \[ 10^{5 - 7} = 10^{-2} \]
So, combining step 1 and step 2 gives: \[ 0.84375 \times 10^{-2} \]
Step 3: Convert to Scientific Notation. Since \(0.84375\) is not in proper scientific notation (which requires a coefficient between 1 and 10), we need to adjust this. To convert it into scientific notation, we can move the decimal one place to the right, which increases the exponent by 1:
\[ 0.84375 \times 10^{-2} = 8.4375 \times 10^{-3} \]
Now, in step 3, you are asked how to adjust the exponent. The correct choice is:
Add to the exponent
You increase the exponent by 1 when moving the decimal place to the right.
Thus, the final answer is: \[ 8.4375 \times 10^{-3} \]
You could also round \(8.4375\) to \(8.44\), to match your statement, making the final answer: \[ 8.44 \times 10^{-3} \]
So, 8.44 x 10^-3 is indeed the simplified answer.
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