Question

the speed of light is 3 × 10^8 meters per second. what is this speed in standard form?
a. 300,000,000 meters per second
b. 30,000,000 meters per second
c. 3,000,000,000 meters per second
d. 300,000 meters per second

Explanation:

Step1: Recall scientific - to - standard conversion

The scientific notation $a\times10^{n}$ (where $1\leqslant a<10$ and $n$ is an integer) is converted to standard form by moving the decimal point in $a$ $n$ places. If $n>0$, we move the decimal point to the right.
For $3\times 10^{8}$, since $n = 8$, we move the decimal point in 3 eight places to the right.

Step2: Perform the movement

Starting with 3, moving the decimal point 8 places to the right gives 300000000.

Answer:

A. 300,000,000 meters per second