To multiply the numbers in scientific notation, you can multiply the coefficients and add the exponents.
Given:
- \( 5.5 \times 10^4 \)
- \( 2.2 \times 10^{-8} \)
First, multiply the coefficients: \[ 5.5 \times 2.2 = 12.1 \]
Next, add the exponents: \[ 4 + (-8) = 4 - 8 = -4 \]
Now, combine these results: \[ 12.1 \times 10^{-4} \]
To express this in proper scientific notation, ensure the coefficient is between 1 and 10. In this case, \( 12.1 \) is not between 1 and 10. We can adjust this by writing \( 12.1 \) as \( 1.21 \times 10^1 \). Therefore:
\[ 12.1 \times 10^{-4} = 1.21 \times 10^1 \times 10^{-4} = 1.21 \times 10^{-3} \]
Thus, the final answer in scientific notation is:
1.21×10 to the power of −3.