Question

The circumference of the Earth is approximately 131,000,000 ft.

a. Write this number in scientific notation and tell how you knew whether to use a positive or a negative exponent.

b. The circumference of Mars is 7.00 x 107. Which planet is larger, and by how many feet? Write the answer in both standard and scientific notation.

Answer 1

i dont know how to explain my answer for letter a

Answer 2

I would say you use a positive exponent because the number is greater than 1.

Answer 3

yea i know but do you want me to say the Earths cumfrence is a positive 8 because i moved the decimal point to the left

Answer 4

sorry i ment to the right

Answer 5

use a positive exponent when there is no numbers behind a decimal.
Example : 75,000,000
use a negative exponent when there is numbers behind the decimal
Example : 0.0000037

Answer 6

i know that but now i get it i just had to see myself type the answer...thanks to both of you guys

Answer 7

@RigelCanopus ...pretty much summed it up. Use positive because number is greater then 1, use negative when number is less then 1

Answer 8

i would have to agree