The U.S. national debt was $2.9617x10^13 in 2021 and $3.98x10^11 in 1971. Find out how much the debt increased in the 50-year period.

Answer 1

To find the increase in the national debt over the 50-year period, we need to subtract the debt in 1971 from the debt in 2021.

Debt increase = Debt in 2021 - Debt in 1971
Debt increase = $2.9617x10^13 - $3.98x10^11

To subtract the values in scientific notation, we need to make sure the exponents are the same.

$2.9617x10^13 - $3.98x10^11 = $2.9617x10^13 - $0.398x10^13

Now that the exponents are equal, we can subtract the numerical values.

Debt increase = $2.9617 - $0.398 = $2.5637x10^13

Therefore, the national debt increased by $2.5637x10^13 in the 50-year period.