The U.S. national debt was \$ 2.9617 * 10 ^ 13 in 2021 and \$ 3.98 * 10 ^ 11 in 1971. Find how much the debt increased in the 50-year period. (1 point)

Question

O \$ 3.0015 * 10 ^ 13

\$ 1.0183 * 10 ^ 24

O \$ 2.9219 * 10 ^ 13

O \$ 2.9219 * 10 ^ 11

Answer 1

To find how much the debt increased in the 50-year period, we need to subtract the 1971 debt from the 2021 debt.

2021 debt = $2.9617 * 10^13
1971 debt = $3.98 * 10^11

Increase in debt = 2021 debt - 1971 debt
= (2.9617 * 10^13) - (3.98 * 10^11)

To subtract the values in scientific notation, we need to have the same exponent.

Converting the 1971 debt to scientific notation:
1971 debt = $398,000,000,000
= $3.98 * 10^11

Now we can subtract the values:
(2.9617 * 10^13) - (3.98 * 10^11)
= (2.9617 - 0.0398) * 10^13
= 2.9219 * 10^13

Therefore, the debt increased by $2.9219 * 10^13 in the 50-year period.

The correct answer is: O $2.9219 * 10^13