Convert the number to scientific notation.
1,850,000
The correct answer and explanation is:
The number 1,850,000 in scientific notation is:
1.85 × 10⁶
Explanation:
Scientific notation is a way to express large or small numbers in a more manageable form. The general format of scientific notation is: a×10na \times 10^n
Where:
- aa is a number between 1 and 10, known as the “coefficient.”
- nn is an integer representing the power of 10, known as the “exponent.”
To convert 1,850,000 into scientific notation, follow these steps:
- Place the Decimal Point:
Start by moving the decimal point so that there is only one non-zero digit to the left of it. For 1,850,000, we move the decimal point 6 places to the left, resulting in 1.85. - Count the Number of Places:
The decimal point moved 6 places from the right (after the last zero) to the left to form 1.85. - Write the Exponent:
The number of places the decimal point moved becomes the exponent of 10. Since the decimal point moved to the left, the exponent is positive. Hence, the exponent is 6.
Thus, the scientific notation for 1,850,000 is: 1.85×1061.85 \times 10^6
This format allows for easier comparison, calculation, and understanding of very large or very small numbers. It is particularly useful in scientific and engineering fields, where extremely large or small numbers frequently arise, such as measurements in astronomy, physics, or chemistry.