College

What is the correct way to write [tex]$1,550,000,000$[/tex] in scientific notation?

A. [tex]$1.55 \times 10^9$[/tex]
B. [tex]$1.55 \times 10^{10}$[/tex]
C. [tex]$15.5 \times 10^8$[/tex]
D. [tex]$15.5 \times 10^9$[/tex]

Answer :

To write the number [tex]$1,550,000,000$[/tex] in scientific notation, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Significant Digits:
Start by identifying the significant digits of the number. In this case, the significant digits are "1.55".

2. Determine the Decimal Point Movement:
To convert to scientific notation, place the decimal point after the first significant digit to make the number lie between 1 and 10. Here, you need to move the decimal point 9 places to the left. So, from "1,550,000,000", you adjust it to "1.55".

3. Determine the Exponent:
Since you moved the decimal point 9 places to the left, you'll multiply by [tex]\(10^9\)[/tex] because moving the decimal to the left indicates a positive exponent.

4. Compile the Scientific Notation:
Combine the significant digits with the exponent to write the number in scientific notation. This gives you [tex]\(1.55 \times 10^9\)[/tex].

Therefore, the correct way to write [tex]$1,550,000,000$[/tex] in scientific notation is [tex]\(1.55 \times 10^9\)[/tex].