Multiply in Scientific Notation Quick Check

Question

What is 5.5 x 104 multiplied by 2.2 x 10-8? Write the answer in scientific notation. (1 point)
1.21 x 104
1.21 x 10-5
1.21 x 10-3
12.1 x 10-4

Answer 1

To multiply numbers in scientific notation, you multiply the coefficients and add the exponents.

Given: \( 5.5 \times 10^4 \) and \( 2.2 \times 10^{-8} \)

1. Multiply the coefficients: \( 5.5 \times 2.2 = 12.1 \)

2. Add the exponents: \( 4 + (-8) = 4 - 8 = -4 \)

So, combining these results, we have: \( 12.1 \times 10^{-4} \)

Since the answer should be in standard scientific notation (where the coefficient is between 1 and 10), we need to adjust it: \( 12.1 \times 10^{-4} = 1.21 \times 10^{-3} \)

Therefore, the final answer in scientific notation is: 1.21 x 10^{-3}.