Question

Finding a Quotient

What conclusions can be drawn about finding the quotient in scientific notation? Check all that apply.



The coefficient of the solution is 6.4, the difference of the original coefficients.

The exponent of the solution is –12, the difference of the original exponents.

The coefficient of the solution must be greater than or equal to one but less than 10.

 The quotient is 3.0 × 10-12

The solution is a very large number.

Answer 1

Select the following three statements:

- The exponent of the solution is –12, the difference of the original exponents.
- The coefficient of the solution must be greater than or equal to one but less than 10.
- The quotient is 3.0 × 10^-12.

Reason: when dividing numbers in scientific notation you divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents. Here 6.4 ÷ 2.1 ≈ 3.0 (a coefficient in [1,10)) and the exponents subtract to −12, giving 3.0 × 10^-12. The statements that the solution’s coefficient is 6.4 (coefficients are divided, not subtracted) and that the solution is very large (3.0 × 10^-12 is very small) are false.