Question

scientists are examining two different strains of a particular bacteria. the length of one strain of the bacteria measures 0.000000202 mm, while the length of the second strain measures 0.0000000617 mm. how much larger is the first strain than the second?
a. 2.637×10^(-7) mm
b. 2.637×10^(-15) mm
c. 1.403×10^(-7) mm
d. 1.403×10^(-8) mm

Explanation:

Step1: Write numbers in scientific - notation

The first bacteria length $0.000000202 = 2.02\times10^{-7}$ mm and the second bacteria length $0.0000000617=6.17\times 10^{-8}$ mm.

Step2: Make the exponents the same

$6.17\times 10^{-8}=0.617\times 10^{-7}$ mm.

Step3: Subtract the two numbers

$(2.02 - 0.617)\times10^{-7}=1.403\times 10^{-7}$ mm.

Answer:

C. $1.403\times 10^{-7}$ mm