An asteroid is heading toward Mars at the rate of 7.7 x 10^4 mi/hr. If the asteroid is 3.311 x 10^8 miles away from Mars? Write the answer in scientific notation, expressed to the exact decimal place.

Answer 1

To find the time it takes for the asteroid to reach Mars, we need to divide the distance by the rate.

Time = Distance / Rate

Given that the distance is 3.311 x 10^8 miles and the rate is 7.7 x 10^4 mi/hr, we can calculate the time.

Time = (3.311 x 10^8 miles) / (7.7 x 10^4 mi/hr)

To divide the numbers in scientific notation, we divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents.

Time = (3.311 / 7.7) x (10^8 / 10^4)

Simplifying this expression further:

Time = 0.4291 x 10^(8-4)

Time = 0.4291 x 10^4

To express this value in scientific notation to the exact decimal place, we multiply the coefficient by 10^4.

Time = 4.291 x 10^3

Therefore, the time it takes for the asteroid to reach Mars is 4.291 x 10^3 seconds.