Answer :
To write the number 186,000 in scientific notation, we need to express the number as a product of a number between 1 and 10, and a power of 10.
Let's break down the steps:
Identify the Significant Figures: The number here is 186,000, and the significant figures are the digits 1, 8, and 6.
Place the Decimal Point: To convert the number into a form where it's between 1 and 10, we place the decimal point after the first digit, which looks like this: [tex]1.86[/tex].
Determine the Power of 10: Count how many places the decimal point needed to move from its original position (after the last zero) to its new position. In this case, it moved 5 places to the left.
Write in Scientific Notation: Combine [tex]1.86[/tex] with [tex]10^5[/tex] to express 186,000 in scientific notation. So, we get:
[tex]1.86 \times 10^5[/tex]
Therefore, the correct option is C. [tex]1.86 \times 10^5[/tex].
Scientific notation is a convenient way to express very large or very small numbers, making them easier to read and work with, especially in scientific and mathematical contexts.