The mass of Jupiter is 1.908 x 10^24 metric tons. The earth has a mass 6 x 10^21. How many times bigger is Jupiter?

Question

The mass of Jupiter is 1.908 x 10^24 metric tons.  The earth has a mass 6 x 10^21. How many times bigger is Jupiter?

anonymous · Answer

198.46 times.  Take (1.908*10^24)/(6*10^21)=198.46

anonymous · Answer

If you need scientific notation, it's 1.9846*10^2

anonymous · Answer

Thank you, however how did you get 1.9846 I thought you multiply 6 x 1.908 to get 11.448

anonymous · Answer

Division is a ratio.  Divide the mass of Jipiter by the mass of Earth.

anonymous · Answer

so it would be (1.908 x10^24) / (6 x 10^21)

anonymous · Answer

Exactly

anonymous · Answer

ok, but I get .318 x 10^-3

anonymous · Answer

Check your math.  The rule of exponents will allow us to subtract 10^24-10^21.

anonymous · Answer

ok then I have .318 x 10^3 right

anonymous · Answer

Nope, that would be 318.

anonymous · Answer

Let's try this...

anonymous · Answer

(1.908/6)=.198

anonymous · Answer

.198*10^3=198.46

anonymous · Answer

Before subtracting the exponents, simplify the rest of the fraction first.

anonymous · Answer

I understand the divide the mass of Jupiter by the mass of Earth.  (1.908/6) but I get 0.318.  I just don't get it.  I ams sorry.  But thank you very much for trying to explain it to me.