For: Links on universal measurements

Visit: PHSchool.com

Web Code: ccc-0013

Math Skills

Using Scientific Notation

A rectangular parking lot has a length of $1.1 \times {10}^3$ meters and a width of $2.4 \times {10}^3$ meters. What is the area of the parking lot?

1. Read and Understand

   What information are you given?

   $Length\left(l\right)=1.1\times {10}^{3}mWidth\left(w\right)=2.4\times {10}^{3}m$

2. Plan and Solve

   What unknown are you trying to calculate?

   

   What formula contains the given quantities and the unknown?

   

   Replace each variable with its known value.

   $$\begin{gathered} A=l\times w=(1.1\times {10}^{3}m)(2.4\times {10}^{3}m) \\ =(1.1\times 2.4)\left({10}^{3+3}\right)(m\times m) \\ =2.6\times {10}^6{m}^2 \end{gathered}$$

3. Look Back and Check

   Is your answer reasonable?

   Yes, the number calculated is the product of the numbers given, and the units (m²) indicate area.

Math Practice

1. Perform the following calculations. Express your answers in scientific notation.

   1. $(7.6 \times {10}^{-4 }\mathrm{m}) \times (1.5 \times {10}^7 \mathrm{m})$

   2. $0.00053 ÷ 29$

2. Calculate how far light travels in $8.64 \times {10}^4$seconds. (Hint: The speed of light is about $3.0 \times {10}^8 \mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$.)